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.

18TV transmitters within 70 miles
2networks over the air
27 mito the closest tower
7,976population

Network channels in South Boston

StationChannelDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
ABCWSET-TVABC13 59 mi317° NW FairLynchburg, VA
CWWWCWCW21 59 mi317° NW GoodLynchburg, 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.

StationDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
WMDV-LDLow power27 mi 277° WFairDanville, VA
WTNC-LDLow power44 mi 184° SPoorDurham, NC
WZBJ-CDClass A48 mi 343° NNWPoorLynchburg, VA
WGSR-LDLow power48 mi 241° WSWPoorReidsville, NC
WUBX-CDClass A50 mi 175° SPoorDurham, Etc., NC
WACN-LDLow power52 mi 234° SWPoorRaleigh, NC
WYAT-LDLow power54 mi 270° WPoorMartinsville, VA
WIRP-LDLow power59 mi 194° SSWPoorRaleigh, NC
WRAY-TVFull power59 mi 194° SSWGoodWake Forest, NC
WUNC-TVFull power59 mi 194° SSWGoodChapel Hill, NC
W36FG-DLow power59 mi 194° SSWPoorCharlotte, NC
WDRH-LDLow power64 mi 169° SPoorRaleigh, NC
WWIW-LDLow power64 mi 169° SPoorRaleigh, NC
WAUG-LDLow power65 mi 166° SSEPoorRaleigh, NC
WUNP-TVFull power66 mi 115° ESEWeakRoanoke Rapids, NC
W33EI-DLow power68 mi 176° SPoorRaleigh, 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

  1. 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.
  2. Point it toward 317° NW, the direction of WSET-TV (ABC), 59 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 5 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 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

Nearby cities in other states

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.