TV channels & antenna towers in McKenzie, Tennessee

McKenzie has 15 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 WLJT-DT, 30 miles to the S.

15TV transmitters within 70 miles
3networks over the air
30 mito the closest tower
5,296population

Network channels in McKenzie

StationChannelDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
ABCWBBJ-TVABC7 36 mi196° SSW GoodJackson, TN
CWWNBJ-LDCW39.2 40 mi203° SSW PoorJackson, TN
FOXWJKTFox16 40 mi234° SW GoodJackson, TN

Over-the-air TV in McKenzie

McKenzie, Tennessee has a population of about 5,300. Our map shows 15 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 5 full-power, 1 Class A and 9 low-power. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 4 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 3 at good or strong strength.

0 of them are within 25 miles of McKenzie, 7 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 8 are more than 45 miles out. Three of the 3 network stations in range are licensed to Jackson, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Jackson's stations.

The strongest network signals here are ABC on channel 7 (WBBJ-TV), Fox on channel 16 (WJKT) and CW on channel 39.2 (WNBJ-LD). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WTVF in Nashville, TN, 97 miles to the east. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WPSD-TV in Paducah, KY, 78 miles to the north. 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 McKenzie

Point your antenna SW, at about 215°. The main network towers for McKenzie 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 McKenzie, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.

Antenna and amplifier advice for McKenzie

The farthest main network tower for McKenzie is WJKT (Fox), 40 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.

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 McKenzie

Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.

StationDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
WLJT-DTFull power30 mi 189° SGoodLexington, TN
WUWT-LDLow power36 mi 307° NWWeakUnion City, TN
WYJJ-LDLow power38 mi 208° SSWWeakJackson, TN
WKMUFull power39 mi 359° NFairMurray, KY
W18EW-DLow power48 mi 111° ESEPoorJackson, TN
WANF-LDLow power54 mi 266° WPoorDyersburg, TN
W12DR-DLow power63 mi 223° SWPoorJackson, TN
W32EV-DClass A63 mi 172° SPoorAdamsville, TN
WKPDFull power67 mi 353° NPoorPaducah, KY
KJBW-LDLow power68 mi 303° WNWPoorNew Madrid, MO
WDHC-LDLow power69 mi 80° EPoorDickson-Nashville, TN
W33EB-DLow power69 mi 158° SSEPoorOlive Hill, TN

How McKenzie compares with the rest of Tennessee

With 4 stations at fair strength or better, McKenzie ranks 294th of 299 places in Tennessee: fewer than the typical Tennessee town (15). Its nearest major network tower is 36 miles away, against a state median of 23 miles.

38% of Tennessee's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna. The nearest larger city is Jackson, 39 miles away.

Setting up an antenna in McKenzie: step by step

  1. 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.
  2. Point it toward 234° SW, the direction of WJKT (Fox), 40 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
  3. Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
  4. 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.
  5. Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.

Frequently asked questions

What channel is ABC in McKenzie, TN?

ABC is on channel 7 from WBBJ-TV, broadcasting from 36 miles SSW of McKenzie. Estimated signal: good.

What channel is Fox in McKenzie, TN?

Fox is on channel 16 from WJKT, broadcasting from 40 miles SW of McKenzie. Estimated signal: good.

What channel is CW in McKenzie, TN?

CW is on channel 39.2 from WNBJ-LD, broadcasting from 40 miles SSW of McKenzie. Estimated signal: very weak.

How many channels can I get with an antenna in McKenzie?

15 transmitters within 70 miles of McKenzie; 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 McKenzie?

Point your antenna SW, at about 215°. The main network towers for McKenzie sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.

What kind of antenna do I need in McKenzie?

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.

Do I need an antenna amplifier in McKenzie?

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.

Is there an app to find TV towers in McKenzie?

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 Tennessee cities

Nearby cities in other states

More: all TV stations in Tennessee · South region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of McKenzie; signal estimates ignore terrain.