TV channels & antenna towers in Russell, Pennsylvania
Russell has 23 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW and ION. About 9 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is WNYB, 32 miles to the N.
Network channels in Russell
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBCWICU-TVNBC | 12 | 48 mi | 278° W | Weak | Erie, PA |
| CBSWSEE-TVCBS | 35 | 48 mi | 278° W | Fair | Erie, PA |
| MeTVWBBZ-TVMeTV | 67.3 | 48 mi | 26° NNE | Weak | Springville, NY |
| FOXWFXPFox | 66 | 48 mi | 278° W | Good | Erie, PA |
| CWWJET-TVCW | 24.2 | 48 mi | 278° W | Good | Erie, PA |
| ABCWKBW-TVABC | 7 | 55 mi | 29° NNE | Good | Buffalo, NY |
| CBSWIVB-TVCBS | 4 | 56 mi | 28° NNE | Good | Buffalo, NY |
| CWWNLOCW | 23 | 56 mi | 28° NNE | Good | Buffalo, NY |
| NBCWGRZNBC | 2 | 61 mi | 28° NNE | Fair | Buffalo, NY |
| IONWPXJ-TVION | 51 | 68 mi | 31° NNE | Weak | Batavia, NY |
Over-the-air TV in Russell
Russell is a small community of about 1,410 people in Pennsylvania. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 23 licensed TV transmitters: 13 full-power, 1 Class A and 9 low-power. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 9 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 5 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 0 transmitters are within 25 miles, 2 between 25 and 45 miles, and 21 farther out. Four of the 10 network stations in range are licensed to Erie, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Erie's stations.
The strongest network signals here are ABC on channel 7 (WKBW-TV), CBS on channel 4 (WIVB-TV), NBC on channel 2 (WGRZ), Fox on channel 66 (WFXP), CW on channel 24.2 (WJET-TV), ION on channel 51 (WPXJ-TV) and MeTV on channel 67.3 (WBBZ-TV). 3 full-power stations in range have no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in Russell
The main network towers around Russell are in different directions: ABC 29° NNE (55 mi), CBS 28° NNE (56 mi), NBC 28° NNE (61 mi) and Fox 278° W (48 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
Four network stations, WICU-TV, WSEE-TV, WFXP and WJET-TV, transmit from the same tower site about 48 miles west of Russell (278° W). Point at that site and a single antenna setting picks them all up.
Of the 7 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Russell at fair strength or better, 57% arrive from the northeast; the rest are spread across one other direction.
WGRZ (NBC) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Russell. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Russell
The farthest main network tower for Russell is WGRZ (NBC), 61 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Other stations near Russell
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WNYBFull power | 32 mi | 351° N | Weak | Jamestown, NY |
| W24EU-DLow power | 33 mi | 284° WNW | Weak | Erie, PA |
| W32DH-DLow power | 48 mi | 278° W | Poor | Erie, PA |
| W23FH-DLow power | 48 mi | 278° W | Poor | New Castle, PA |
| WXTM-LDLow power | 48 mi | 278° W | Poor | Erie, PA |
| WQLNFull power | 48 mi | 279° W | Fair | Erie, PA |
| WEPA-LDLow power | 49 mi | 284° WNW | Poor | Erie, PA |
| WBUO-LDLow power | 53 mi | 24° NNE | Poor | Buffalo, NY |
| WWHC-LDLow power | 61 mi | 28° NNE | Poor | Olean, NY |
| WVTT-CDClass A | 61 mi | 28° NNE | Poor | Olean, NY |
| WBXZ-LDLow power | 66 mi | 11° NNE | Poor | Buffalo, NY |
| WPSU-TVFull power | 67 mi | 147° SSE | Fair | Clearfield, PA |
| WTOO-LDLow power | 67 mi | 154° SSE | Poor | Clearfield, PA |
How Russell compares with the rest of Pennsylvania
With 9 stations at fair strength or better, Russell ranks 927th of 1,015 places in Pennsylvania: fewer than the typical Pennsylvania town (24). Its nearest major network tower is 48 miles away, against a state median of 16 miles.
19% of Pennsylvania's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna. The nearest larger city is Jamestown, 12 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Russell: step by step
- Mount an outdoor antenna on the roof or a mast, as high as you can safely get it, with a clear view toward the towers.
- Point it toward 28° NNE, the direction of WGRZ (NBC), 61 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 9 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 ABC in Russell, PA?
ABC is on channel 7 from WKBW-TV, broadcasting from 55 miles NNE of Russell. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CBS in Russell, PA?
CBS is on channel 4 from WIVB-TV, broadcasting from 56 miles NNE of Russell. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is NBC in Russell, PA?
NBC is on channel 2 from WGRZ, broadcasting from 61 miles NNE of Russell. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is Fox in Russell, PA?
Fox is on channel 66 from WFXP, broadcasting from 48 miles W of Russell. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Russell, PA?
CW is on channel 24.2 from WJET-TV, broadcasting from 48 miles W of Russell. Estimated signal: good.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Russell?
23 transmitters within 70 miles of Russell; around 9 of them are likely to be receivable with outdoor directional 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 Russell?
The main network towers around Russell are in different directions: ABC 29° NNE (55 mi), CBS 28° NNE (56 mi), NBC 28° NNE (61 mi) and Fox 278° W (48 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
What kind of antenna do I need in Russell?
Outdoor directional antenna (45–70 miles). Some major towers are a long way off. Mount a directional antenna on the roof or a mast and aim it with the bearings below. The towers are spread over about 110° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Russell?
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Russell?
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 Pennsylvania cities
- Warren6.8 mi
- Sheffield17 mi
- Bradford25 mi
- Kane25 mi
- Corry26 mi
- Marienville33 mi
- Tionesta35 mi
- Titusville35 mi
- Union City37 mi
- North East41 mi
- Port Allegany45 mi
- Oil City46 mi
- Saint Marys46 mi
- Northwest Harborcreek46 mi
Nearby cities in other states
- Jamestown, NY12 mi
- Randolph, NY17 mi
- Salamanca, NY26 mi
- Fredonia, NY36 mi
- Olean, NY37 mi
- Gowanda, NY37 mi
- Dunkirk, NY39 mi
- Franklinville, NY44 mi
- Lake Erie Beach, NY47 mi
- Cuba, NY48 mi
More: all TV stations in Pennsylvania · Northeast region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Russell; signal estimates ignore terrain.