TV channels & antenna towers in South Boston, Virginia
South Boston has 18 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC and CW. About 5 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is WMDV-LD, 27 miles to the W.
Network channels in South Boston
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABCWSET-TVABC | 13 | 59 mi | 317° NW | Fair | Lynchburg, VA |
| CWWWCWCW | 21 | 59 mi | 317° NW | Good | Lynchburg, VA |
Over-the-air TV in South Boston
South Boston is a town of about 7,980 people in Virginia. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 18 licensed TV transmitters: 5 full-power, 2 Class A and 11 low-power. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 5 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 3 at good or strong strength.
0 of them are within 25 miles of South Boston, 2 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 16 are more than 45 miles out. Two of the 2 network stations in range are licensed to Lynchburg, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Lynchburg's stations.
The strongest network signals here are ABC on channel 13 (WSET-TV) and CW on channel 21 (WWCW). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WNCN in Goldsboro, NC, 74 miles to the south. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WRAL-TV in Raleigh, NC, 74 miles to the south. 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 South Boston
Point your antenna NW, at about 317°. The main network towers for South Boston sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Two network stations, WSET-TV and WWCW, transmit from the same tower site about 59 miles northwest of South Boston (317° NW). Point at that site and a single antenna setting picks them all up.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from South Boston, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for South Boston
The farthest main network tower for South Boston is WSET-TV (ABC), 59 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna 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 South Boston
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WMDV-LDLow power | 27 mi | 277° W | Fair | Danville, VA |
| WTNC-LDLow power | 44 mi | 184° S | Poor | Durham, NC |
| WZBJ-CDClass A | 48 mi | 343° NNW | Poor | Lynchburg, VA |
| WGSR-LDLow power | 48 mi | 241° WSW | Poor | Reidsville, NC |
| WUBX-CDClass A | 50 mi | 175° S | Poor | Durham, Etc., NC |
| WACN-LDLow power | 52 mi | 234° SW | Poor | Raleigh, NC |
| WYAT-LDLow power | 54 mi | 270° W | Poor | Martinsville, VA |
| WIRP-LDLow power | 59 mi | 194° SSW | Poor | Raleigh, NC |
| WRAY-TVFull power | 59 mi | 194° SSW | Good | Wake Forest, NC |
| WUNC-TVFull power | 59 mi | 194° SSW | Good | Chapel Hill, NC |
| W36FG-DLow power | 59 mi | 194° SSW | Poor | Charlotte, NC |
| WDRH-LDLow power | 64 mi | 169° S | Poor | Raleigh, NC |
| WWIW-LDLow power | 64 mi | 169° S | Poor | Raleigh, NC |
| WAUG-LDLow power | 65 mi | 166° SSE | Poor | Raleigh, NC |
| WUNP-TVFull power | 66 mi | 115° ESE | Weak | Roanoke Rapids, NC |
| W33EI-DLow power | 68 mi | 176° S | Poor | Raleigh, NC |
How South Boston compares with the rest of Virginia
With 5 stations at fair strength or better, South Boston ranks 372nd of 381 places in Virginia: fewer than the typical Virginia town (16). Its nearest major network tower is 59 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 Danville, 28 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in South Boston: 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 317° NW, the direction of WSET-TV (ABC), 59 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 5 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 South Boston, VA?
ABC is on channel 13 from WSET-TV, broadcasting from 59 miles NW of South Boston. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is CW in South Boston, VA?
CW is on channel 21 from WWCW, broadcasting from 59 miles NW of South Boston. Estimated signal: good.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in South Boston?
18 transmitters within 70 miles of South Boston; around 5 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 South Boston?
Point your antenna NW, at about 317°. The main network towers for South Boston sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in South Boston?
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.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in South Boston?
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 South Boston?
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
- Halifax4.9 mi
- Clarksville20 mi
- Brookneal24 mi
- Chase City25 mi
- Danville28 mi
- Boydton29 mi
- Charlotte Court House29 mi
- Chatham29 mi
- Altavista36 mi
- Victoria43 mi
- South Hill43 mi
- Appomattox46 mi
- Timberlake47 mi
- North Shore50 mi
Nearby cities in other states
- Roxboro, NC22 mi
- Yanceyville, NC32 mi
- Oxford, NC32 mi
- Henderson, NC38 mi
- Butner, NC40 mi
- Norlina, NC43 mi
- Hillsborough, NC44 mi
- Mebane, NC46 mi
- Reidsville, NC49 mi
- Durham, NC49 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 South Boston; signal estimates ignore terrain.