TV channels & antenna towers in Fort Thompson, South Dakota
Fort Thompson has 9 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, Fox and CW. About 4 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KTSD-TV, 10 miles to the SW.
Network channels in Fort Thompson
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CWKPLO-TVCW | 6.4 | 17 mi | 229° SW | Good | Reliance, SD |
| ABCKPRY-TVABC | 4 | 32 mi | 268° W | Good | Pierre, SD |
| FOXKDLV-TVFox | 5.2 | 55 mi | 112° ESE | Good | Mitchell, SD |
Over-the-air TV in Fort Thompson
Fort Thompson is a small community of about 1,280 people in South Dakota. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 9 licensed TV transmitters: 5 full-power, 2 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 4 at good or strong strength.
2 of them are within 25 miles of Fort Thompson, 1 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 6 are more than 45 miles out.
For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 4 (KPRY-TV), Fox on channel 5.2 (KDLV-TV) and CW on channel 6.4 (KPLO-TV). No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KNBN in Rapid City, SD, 189 miles to the west. No CBS affiliate is listed within 250 miles of Fort Thompson. 2 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 Fort Thompson
The main network towers around Fort Thompson are in different directions: ABC 268° W (32 mi) and Fox 112° ESE (55 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
KDLV-TV (Fox) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Fort Thompson. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Fort Thompson
The farthest main network tower for Fort Thompson is KDLV-TV (Fox), 55 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. Skip that station and you may get away with a smaller antenna.
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 Fort Thompson
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KTSD-TVFull power | 10 mi | 228° SW | Good | Pierre, SD |
| K14IO-DTranslator | 48 mi | 291° WNW | Poor | Pierre, SD |
| K27HJ-DTranslator | 48 mi | 291° WNW | Poor | Pierre, SD |
| K34GM-DLow power | 52 mi | 294° WNW | Poor | Pierre, SD |
| K32FW-DLow power | 52 mi | 294° WNW | Poor | Pierre, SD |
| KTTMFull power | 56 mi | 81° E | Weak | Huron, SD |
How Fort Thompson compares with the rest of South Dakota
With 4 stations at fair strength or better, Fort Thompson ranks 48th of 101 places in South Dakota: the same as the typical South Dakota town (4). Its nearest major network tower is 17 miles away, against a state median of 31 miles.
47% of South Dakota's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Fort Thompson: 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 112° ESE, the direction of KDLV-TV (Fox), 55 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 ABC in Fort Thompson, SD?
ABC is on channel 4 from KPRY-TV, broadcasting from 32 miles W of Fort Thompson. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is Fox in Fort Thompson, SD?
Fox is on channel 5.2 from KDLV-TV, broadcasting from 55 miles ESE of Fort Thompson. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Fort Thompson, SD?
CW is on channel 6.4 from KPLO-TV, broadcasting from 17 miles SW of Fort Thompson. Estimated signal: good.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Fort Thompson?
9 transmitters within 70 miles of Fort Thompson; around 4 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 Fort Thompson?
The main network towers around Fort Thompson are in different directions: ABC 268° W (32 mi) and Fox 112° ESE (55 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
What kind of antenna do I need in Fort Thompson?
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 156° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Fort Thompson?
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 Fort Thompson?
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 South Dakota cities
More: all TV stations in South Dakota · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Fort Thompson; signal estimates ignore terrain.