TV channels & antenna towers in Abilene, Texas
Abilene has 10 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying CBS, NBC, Fox and CW. About 6 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KRBC-TV (NBC), 14 miles to the SSE.
Network channels in Abilene
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBCKRBC-TVNBC | 9 | 14 mi | 146° SSE | Strong | Abilene, TX |
| CBSKTAB-TVCBS | 32 | 14 mi | 146° SSE | Strong | Abilene, TX |
| FOXKXVAFox | 15 | 15 mi | 145° SE | Good | Abilene, TX |
| CWKTXS-TVCW | 12.2 | 22 mi | 264° W | Strong | Sweetwater, TX |
Over-the-air TV in Abilene
With roughly 122,000 residents, Abilene is a city in Texas. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 10 licensed TV transmitters: 4 full-power, 4 low-power and 2 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 6 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 4 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 8 transmitters are within 25 miles, 1 between 25 and 45 miles, and 1 farther out. Abilene is a broadcast hub in its own right: three of the 4 network stations in range are licensed here.
The best-placed network stations are CBS on channel 32 (KTAB-TV), NBC on channel 9 (KRBC-TV), Fox on channel 15 (KXVA) and CW on channel 12.2 (KTXS-TV). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KSWO-TV in Lawton, OK, 135 miles to the northeast.
Which way to point your antenna in Abilene
Point your antenna SE, at about 146°. The main network towers for Abilene sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Three network stations, KRBC-TV, KTAB-TV and KXVA, transmit from the same tower site about 14 miles southeast of Abilene (146° SSE). Point at that site and a single antenna setting picks them all up.
Of the 4 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Abilene at fair strength or better, 75% arrive from the southeast; the rest are spread across one other direction.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Abilene, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Abilene
The farthest main network tower for Abilene is KXVA (Fox), 15 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an indoor antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.
KRBC-TV is only 14 miles away with a strong signal. Signals that strong can overload an amplifier, so start without one and add it only if distant channels are missing. Read when an amplifier helps.
Other stations near Abilene
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KTES-LDLow power | 22 mi | 264° W | Fair | Abilene, TX |
| K18OA-DLow power | 22 mi | 264° W | Weak | Abilene, TX |
| KAOM-LDLow power | 22 mi | 264° W | Weak | Sweetwater, TX |
| KEOT-LDLow power | 22 mi | 264° W | Weak | Abilene, TX |
| KIDV-LDTranslator | 26 mi | 45° NE | Fair | Albany, TX |
| KIDU-LDTranslator | 54 mi | 138° SE | Poor | Brownwood, TX |
How Abilene compares with the rest of Texas
With 6 stations at fair strength or better, Abilene ranks 805th of 1,039 places in Texas: fewer than the typical Texas town (14). Its nearest major network tower is 14 miles away, against a state median of 26 miles.
24% of Texas's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an indoor antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Abilene: step by step
- Place the antenna high on a window or wall that faces the towers. Upstairs is better than downstairs.
- Point it toward 145° SE, the direction of KXVA (Fox), 15 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 6 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 CBS in Abilene, TX?
CBS is on channel 32 from KTAB-TV, broadcasting from 14 miles SSE of Abilene. Estimated signal: strong.
What channel is NBC in Abilene, TX?
NBC is on channel 9 from KRBC-TV, broadcasting from 14 miles SSE of Abilene. Estimated signal: strong.
What channel is Fox in Abilene, TX?
Fox is on channel 15 from KXVA, broadcasting from 15 miles SE of Abilene. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Abilene, TX?
CW is on channel 12.2 from KTXS-TV, broadcasting from 22 miles W of Abilene. Estimated signal: strong.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Abilene?
10 transmitters within 70 miles of Abilene; around 6 of them are likely to be receivable with indoor 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 Abilene?
Point your antenna SE, at about 146°. The main network towers for Abilene sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Abilene?
Indoor antenna (up to ~25 miles). The main towers are close. A flat indoor antenna near a window facing the towers should pull in the major networks.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Abilene?
KRBC-TV is only 14 miles away with a strong signal. Signals that strong can overload an amplifier, so start without one and add it only if distant channels are missing. Read when an amplifier helps.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Abilene?
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 Texas cities
- Tye8.1 mi
- Potosi9.4 mi
- Clyde14 mi
- Merkel16 mi
- Baird20 mi
- Anson23 mi
- Albany32 mi
- Stamford35 mi
- Winters37 mi
- Hamlin38 mi
- Sweetwater39 mi
- Roby43 mi
- Cisco44 mi
- Coleman47 mi
- Roscoe47 mi
- Haskell49 mi
More: all TV stations in Texas · South region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Abilene; signal estimates ignore terrain.