TV stations in Oregon

Oregon has 321 licensed TV transmitters: 34 full-power, 15 Class A, 79 low-power and 193 translator stations. Translators make up 60% of the total, well above the national share of 41%. That usually points to mountains or long rural distances that the main towers cannot cover on their own.

Most full-power and Class A stations are licensed to Portland (11), Medford (7), Eugene (7) and Bend (6). Those cities are where the main broadcast hubs sit, and most viewers aim their antennas toward one of them.

The most powerful full-power transmitter in Oregon is KATU (ABC) in Portland, at 1,000 kW effective radiated power. The tallest is KTVL near Medford, 1,001 m (3,284 ft) above the surrounding terrain.

We ran a reception estimate for all 219 cities and towns in Oregon. A typical place gets 16 stations at fair strength or better (national median: 17), and its nearest major network tower is about 20 miles away. 22% of places can use an indoor antenna, 47% need an amplified or attic antenna, 30% an outdoor directional antenna and 0% a long-range setup.

Weighted by population, the share of residents with a listed affiliate at fair strength or better is: ABC 96%, CBS 86%, NBC 77% and Fox 95%.

Woodburn has the most stations in reach (25). Brookings is the hardest place to get network TV over the air: its nearest major network tower is 70 miles away.