TV channels & antenna towers in Marfa, Texas
Marfa has 11 TV transmitters within 150 miles, carrying NBC, CW, ION and Univision. About 0 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KWES-TV (NBC), 134 miles to the NNE.
Network channels in Marfa
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBCKWES-TVNBC | 9 | 134 mi | 30° NNE | Poor | Odessa, TX |
| CWKOSA-TVCW | 7.2 | 137 mi | 38° NE | Poor | Odessa, TX |
| UNIKUPBUnivision | 18 | 138 mi | 39° NE | Poor | Midland, TX |
| IONKTLE-LDION | 7.7 | 148 mi | 42° NE | Poor | Odessa, TX |
Over-the-air TV in Marfa
With roughly 1,730 residents, Marfa is a small community in Texas. Our map shows 11 licensed TV transmitters inside a 150-mile radius: 4 full-power, 4 low-power and 3 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, none are likely to arrive at fair strength or better.
0 of them are within 25 miles of Marfa, 0 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 11 are more than 45 miles out. Three of the 4 network stations in range are licensed to Odessa, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Odessa's stations.
The strongest network signals here are NBC on channel 9 (KWES-TV), CW on channel 7.2 (KOSA-TV), ION on channel 7.7 (KTLE-LD) and Univision on channel 18 (KUPB). No ABC affiliate is listed within 150 miles; the nearest one in our data is KMID in Midland, TX, 160 miles to the northeast. No CBS affiliate is listed within 150 miles; the nearest one in our data is KDBC-TV in El Paso, TX, 179 miles to the northwest. Spanish-language viewers can pick up Univision (very weak signal). 1 full-power station in range has no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in Marfa
Point your antenna NNE, at about 30°. The main network towers for Marfa sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
KWES-TV (NBC) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Marfa. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Marfa
The farthest main network tower for Marfa is KWES-TV (NBC), 134 miles away with a very weak estimated signal. That is why we suggest a long-range outdoor antenna with a preamp 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 Marfa
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K25QA-DLow power | 141 mi | 41° NE | Poor | Odessa, TX |
| K28NM-DLow power | 146 mi | 355° N | Poor | Carlsbad, NM |
| K17MN-DTranslator | 147 mi | 356° N | Poor | Carlsbad, NM |
| KTEL-TVFull power | 147 mi | 356° N | Poor | Carlsbad, NM |
| K33NX-DTranslator | 148 mi | 354° N | Poor | Carlsbad, NM |
| K23MV-DTranslator | 148 mi | 354° N | Poor | Carlsbad, NM |
| KMDF-LDLow power | 148 mi | 42° NE | Poor | Midland, TX |
How Marfa compares with the rest of Texas
With 0 stations at fair strength or better, Marfa ranks 1,012th of 1,039 places in Texas: fewer than the typical Texas town (14). Its nearest major network tower is 134 miles away, against a state median of 26 miles.
1% of Texas's cities and towns get the same recommendation: a long-range outdoor antenna with a preamp.
Setting up an antenna in Marfa: 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 30° NNE, the direction of KWES-TV (NBC), 134 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 0 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 NBC in Marfa, TX?
NBC is on channel 9 from KWES-TV, broadcasting from 134 miles NNE of Marfa. Estimated signal: very weak.
What channel is CW in Marfa, TX?
CW is on channel 7.2 from KOSA-TV, broadcasting from 137 miles NE of Marfa. Estimated signal: very weak.
What channel is Univision in Marfa, TX?
Univision is on channel 18 from KUPB, broadcasting from 138 miles NE of Marfa. Estimated signal: very weak.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Marfa?
11 transmitters within 150 miles of Marfa; around 0 of them are likely to be receivable with long-range outdoor antenna + preamp. 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 Marfa?
Point your antenna NNE, at about 30°. The main network towers for Marfa sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Marfa?
Long-range outdoor antenna + preamp (70+ miles). This is fringe territory. Use a large outdoor antenna as high as possible, add a mast-mounted preamplifier, and aim carefully.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Marfa?
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 Marfa?
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
More: all TV stations in Texas · South region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Marfa; signal estimates ignore terrain.