TV channels & antenna towers in McAlester, Oklahoma
McAlester has 7 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying CW and ION. About 4 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K15LM-D, 5.3 miles to the NE.
Network channels in McAlester
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CWKTENCW | 10.2 | 60 mi | 229° SW | Good | Ada, OK |
| CWKHBSCW | 40.2 | 62 mi | 81° E | Fair | Fort Smith, AR |
| IONKTPX-TVION | 44 | 65 mi | 342° NNW | Weak | Okmulgee, OK |
Over-the-air TV in McAlester
With roughly 18,300 residents, McAlester is a town in Oklahoma. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 7 licensed TV transmitters: 4 full-power, 1 low-power and 2 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 4 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 2 at good or strong strength.
1 of them is within 25 miles of McAlester, 1 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 5 are more than 45 miles out.
For the networks, the best local options are CW on channel 10.2 (KTEN) and ION on channel 44 (KTPX-TV). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KTUL in Tulsa, OK, 72 miles to the north. No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KOTV-DT in Tulsa, OK, 75 miles to the north. 1 full-power station in range has no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in McAlester
Point your antenna NE, at about 50°. The main network towers for McAlester sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from McAlester, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for McAlester
The farthest main network tower for McAlester is KOET, 30 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here.
KTEN (CW), 60 miles southwest, is the exception: the nearest listed affiliate of its network is far enough away to need an outdoor antenna. Some local stations in our data carry no network tag, so check the other stations table below before buying a bigger antenna just for that one.
An amplifier only helps here if you run a long cable (over about 50 feet) or split the antenna to several TVs. Otherwise better placement does more. See the amplifier guide.
Other stations near McAlester
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K15LM-DTranslator | 5.3 mi | 46° NE | Fair | McAlester, OK |
| KOETFull power | 30 mi | 55° NE | Good | Eufaula, OK |
| KUFS-LDLow power | 62 mi | 81° E | Poor | Fort Smith, AR |
| K15AA-DTranslator | 66 mi | 167° SSE | Poor | Hugo, OK |
How McAlester compares with the rest of Oklahoma
With 4 stations at fair strength or better, McAlester ranks 197th of 244 places in Oklahoma: fewer than the typical Oklahoma town (13). Its nearest major network tower is 60 miles away, against a state median of 29 miles.
44% of Oklahoma's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna.
Setting up an antenna in McAlester: step by step
- Mount the antenna in the attic or high on the wall facing the towers, keeping the cable to the TV as short as you can.
- Point it toward 55° NE, the direction of KOET, 30 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
- Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
- Expect around 4 stations, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
- Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is CW in McAlester, OK?
CW is on channel 10.2 from KTEN, broadcasting from 60 miles SW of McAlester. Estimated signal: good.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in McAlester?
7 transmitters within 70 miles of McAlester; around 4 of them are likely to be receivable with amplified indoor or attic antenna. Each station usually carries several subchannels, so the total channel count after a scan is higher.
Which direction should I point my TV antenna in McAlester?
Point your antenna NE, at about 50°. The main network towers for McAlester sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in McAlester?
Amplified indoor or attic antenna (25–45 miles). Towers are at medium range. An amplified indoor antenna can work; an attic-mounted antenna is the safer choice. Picking up CW from up to 60 miles away would take an outdoor antenna.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in McAlester?
KTEN (CW), 60 miles southwest, is the exception: the nearest listed affiliate of its network is far enough away to need an outdoor antenna. Some local stations in our data carry no network tag, so check the other stations table below before buying a bigger antenna just for that one.
Is there an app to find TV towers in McAlester?
Yes. The free RCA Signal Finder app for iPhone and Android uses your phone's GPS and compass to show which way each tower is from where you stand.
TV channels in nearby Oklahoma cities
- Krebs3.1 mi
- Hartshorne13 mi
- Longtown26 mi
- Quinton26 mi
- Wilburton26 mi
- Eufaula27 mi
- Wetumka34 mi
- Texanna34 mi
- Henryetta37 mi
- Holdenville37 mi
- Coalgate37 mi
- Checotah40 mi
- Wilson42 mi
- Stigler43 mi
- Talihina43 mi
- Atoka43 mi
- Wewoka44 mi
- Okemah46 mi
- Warner47 mi
- Morris47 mi
- Okmulgee49 mi
- Antlers49 mi
More: all TV stations in Oklahoma · South region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of McAlester; signal estimates ignore terrain.