TV channels & antenna towers in Pennington Gap, Virginia
Pennington Gap has 21 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, CW and MeTV. About 10 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is WETP-TV, 27 miles to the SSW.
Network channels in Pennington Gap
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBSWYMT-TVCBS | 57 | 31 mi | 344° NNW | Fair | Hazard, KY |
| ABCWJHL-TVABC | 11.2 | 54 mi | 114° ESE | Fair | Johnson City, TN |
| MeTVWAPK-CDMeTV | 36.1 | 54 mi | 114° ESE | Poor | Bristol Va/Kingsport, TN |
| CWWCYB-TVCW | 5.2 | 55 mi | 112° ESE | Good | Bristol, VA |
Over-the-air TV in Pennington Gap
Pennington Gap, Virginia has a population of about 1,810. Our map shows 21 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 10 full-power, 5 Class A, 1 low-power and 5 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 10 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 4 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 0 transmitters are within 25 miles, 6 between 25 and 45 miles, and 15 farther out.
For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 11.2 (WJHL-TV), CBS on channel 57 (WYMT-TV), CW on channel 5.2 (WCYB-TV) and MeTV on channel 36.1 (WAPK-CD). No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WBIR-TV in Knoxville, TN, 73 miles to the southwest. No Fox affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WTNZ in Knoxville, TN, 74 miles to the southwest. 7 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 Pennington Gap
The main network towers around Pennington Gap are in different directions: ABC 114° ESE (54 mi) and CBS 344° NNW (31 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
Three network stations, WJHL-TV, WAPK-CD and WCYB-TV, transmit from the same tower site about 54 miles southeast of Pennington Gap (114° ESE). That one direction covers every station on the site.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Pennington Gap, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Pennington Gap
The farthest main network tower for Pennington Gap is WJHL-TV (ABC), 54 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. Viewers who do not need that station can often manage with less.
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 Pennington Gap
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WETP-TVFull power | 27 mi | 198° SSW | Good | Sneedville, TN |
| WKPZ-CDClass A | 29 mi | 123° ESE | Fair | Kingsport, TN |
| WKPT-CDClass A | 29 mi | 123° ESE | Weak | Kingsport, TN |
| WKIN-CDClass A | 29 mi | 123° ESE | Poor | Weber Cy,Va-Kpt,Tn, VA |
| WKHAFull power | 31 mi | 344° NNW | Fair | Hazard, KY |
| WKPI-TVFull power | 46 mi | 37° NE | Fair | Pikeville, KY |
| WVLRFull power | 48 mi | 224° SW | Good | Tazewell, TN |
| WOPI-CDClass A | 54 mi | 114° ESE | Poor | Bristol,Va/Kingsport, TN |
| WKPT-TVFull power | 54 mi | 114° ESE | Fair | Kingsport, TN |
| WEMTFull power | 55 mi | 112° ESE | Good | Greeneville, TN |
| W12CI-DTranslator | 59 mi | 168° SSE | Poor | Hot Springs, NC |
| WVTN-LDLow power | 63 mi | 285° WNW | Poor | Corbin, KY |
| W15EL-DTranslator | 68 mi | 157° SSE | Poor | Mars Hill, NC |
| W23ES-DTranslator | 68 mi | 164° SSE | Poor | Marshall, NC |
| WLJC-TVFull power | 69 mi | 329° NNW | Weak | Beattyville, KY |
| W07DS-DTranslator | 70 mi | 144° SE | Poor | Burnsville, NC |
| W35CO-DTranslator | 70 mi | 144° SE | Poor | Burnsville, NC |
How Pennington Gap compares with the rest of Virginia
With 10 stations at fair strength or better, Pennington Gap ranks 295th of 381 places in Virginia: fewer than the typical Virginia town (16). Its nearest major network tower is 31 miles away, against a state median of 21 miles.
31% of Virginia's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna. The nearest larger city is Kingsport, 30 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Pennington Gap: 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 114° ESE, the direction of WJHL-TV (ABC), 54 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 10 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 Pennington Gap, VA?
ABC is on channel 11.2 from WJHL-TV, broadcasting from 54 miles ESE of Pennington Gap. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is CBS in Pennington Gap, VA?
CBS is on channel 57 from WYMT-TV, broadcasting from 31 miles NNW of Pennington Gap. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is CW in Pennington Gap, VA?
CW is on channel 5.2 from WCYB-TV, broadcasting from 55 miles ESE of Pennington Gap. Estimated signal: good.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Pennington Gap?
21 transmitters within 70 miles of Pennington Gap; around 10 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 Pennington Gap?
The main network towers around Pennington Gap are in different directions: ABC 114° ESE (54 mi) and CBS 344° NNW (31 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
What kind of antenna do I need in Pennington Gap?
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 130° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Pennington Gap?
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 Pennington Gap?
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 Virginia cities
Nearby cities in other states
- Cumberland, KY15 mi
- Harlan, KY17 mi
- Sneedville, TN19 mi
- Church Hill, TN24 mi
- Rogersville, TN24 mi
- Mount Carmel, TN25 mi
- Whitesburg, KY27 mi
- Kingsport, TN30 mi
- Bloomingdale, TN32 mi
- Hyden, KY34 mi
- Colonial Heights, TN35 mi
- Hazard, KY35 mi
- Jenkins, KY36 mi
- Pineville, KY37 mi
- New Tazewell, TN39 mi
- Middlesboro, KY40 mi
- Hindman, KY40 mi
- Morristown, TN40 mi
- Greeneville, TN43 mi
- Rutledge, TN43 mi
- Jonesborough, TN44 mi
More: all TV stations in Virginia · South region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Pennington Gap; signal estimates ignore terrain.