TV channels & antenna towers in Medford, Wisconsin
Medford has 22 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, NBC, Fox, CW and ION. About 6 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is WSAW-TV (CW), 35 miles to the ESE.
Network channels in Medford
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CWWSAW-TVCW | 7.4 | 35 mi | 115° ESE | Fair | Wausau, WI |
| ABCWAOWABC | 9 | 35 mi | 115° ESE | Fair | Wausau, WI |
| FOXWZAW-LDFox | 33 | 43 mi | 97° E | Poor | Wausau, WI |
| IONWTPX-TVION | 46 | 44 mi | 97° E | Fair | Antigo, WI |
| CWWEAUCW | 14.10 | 45 mi | 223° SW | Good | Eau Claire, WI |
| CWWECX-LDCW | 14 | 45 mi | 223° SW | Poor | Eau Claire, WI |
| ABCWQOWABC | 18 | 60 mi | 247° WSW | Weak | Eau Claire, WI |
| NBCWJFW-TVNBC | 12 | 66 mi | 56° NE | Weak | Rhinelander, WI |
| FOXWEUXFox | 48 | 66 mi | 259° W | Poor | Chippewa Falls, WI |
| CWWYOWCW | 34 | 69 mi | 50° NE | Poor | Eagle River, WI |
Over-the-air TV in Medford
With roughly 4,340 residents, Medford is a town in Wisconsin. Our map shows 22 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 11 full-power, 10 low-power and 1 translator. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 6 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 3 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 0 transmitters are within 25 miles, 10 between 25 and 45 miles, and 12 farther out. Three of the 10 network stations in range are licensed to Wausau, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Wausau's stations.
The best-placed network stations are ABC on channel 9 (WAOW), NBC on channel 12 (WJFW-TV), Fox on channel 48 (WEUX), CW on channel 14.10 (WEAU) and ION on channel 46 (WTPX-TV). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WKBT-DT in La Crosse, WI, 87 miles to the southwest. 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 Medford
The main network towers around Medford are in different directions: ABC 115° ESE (35 mi), NBC 56° NE (66 mi) and Fox 259° W (66 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
Two network stations, WSAW-TV and WAOW, transmit from the same tower site about 35 miles southeast of Medford (115° ESE). That one direction covers every station on the site.
Of the 4 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Medford at fair strength or better, 50% arrive from the southeast; the rest are spread across two other directions.
WJFW-TV (NBC) and WEUX (Fox) lie beyond the radio horizon of their transmitter as seen from Medford. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Medford
The farthest main network tower for Medford is WEUX (Fox), 66 miles away with a very weak 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 Medford
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WHRM-TVFull power | 35 mi | 115° ESE | Good | Wausau, WI |
| W27AU-DLow power | 38 mi | 117° ESE | Poor | Wausau, WI |
| WRJT-LDLow power | 42 mi | 145° SE | Poor | Wausau, WI |
| W36EI-DLow power | 43 mi | 97° E | Poor | Wausau, WI |
| W31EV-DLow power | 49 mi | 158° SSE | Poor | Stevens Point, WI |
| WLEF-TVFull power | 56 mi | 3° N | Good | Park Falls, WI |
| WBDL-LDTranslator | 60 mi | 247° WSW | Poor | Elk Mound, WI |
| W33DH-DLow power | 60 mi | 247° WSW | Poor | Eau Claire, WI |
| W26FG-DLow power | 60 mi | 247° WSW | Poor | Eau Claire, WI |
| W23FC-DLow power | 63 mi | 254° WSW | Poor | Eau Claire, WI |
| W26EE-DLow power | 66 mi | 100° E | Poor | Wittenberg, WI |
| WNWEFull power | 69 mi | 50° NE | Poor | Eagle River, WI |
How Medford compares with the rest of Wisconsin
With 6 stations at fair strength or better, Medford ranks 396th of 423 places in Wisconsin: fewer than the typical Wisconsin town (12). Its nearest major network tower is 35 miles away, against a state median of 25 miles.
26% of Wisconsin's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna. The nearest larger city is Wausau, 37 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Medford: 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 259° W, the direction of WEUX (Fox), 66 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 ABC in Medford, WI?
ABC is on channel 9 from WAOW, broadcasting from 35 miles ESE of Medford. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is NBC in Medford, WI?
NBC is on channel 12 from WJFW-TV, broadcasting from 66 miles NE of Medford. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is Fox in Medford, WI?
Fox is on channel 48 from WEUX, broadcasting from 66 miles W of Medford. Estimated signal: very weak.
What channel is CW in Medford, WI?
CW is on channel 14.10 from WEAU, broadcasting from 45 miles SW of Medford. Estimated signal: good.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Medford?
22 transmitters within 70 miles of Medford; around 6 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 Medford?
The main network towers around Medford are in different directions: ABC 115° ESE (35 mi), NBC 56° NE (66 mi) and Fox 259° W (66 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
What kind of antenna do I need in Medford?
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 204° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Medford?
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 Medford?
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 Wisconsin cities
- Abbotsford13 mi
- Athens15 mi
- Colby16 mi
- Edgar23 mi
- Thorp26 mi
- Spencer26 mi
- Stratford27 mi
- Marathon28 mi
- Greenwood28 mi
- Loyal29 mi
- Stanley32 mi
- Merrill32 mi
- Maine33 mi
- Marshfield33 mi
- Rib Mountain36 mi
- Wausau37 mi
- Tomahawk38 mi
- Phillips39 mi
- Rothschild39 mi
- Cornell39 mi
- Neillsville42 mi
- Weston42 mi
- Kronenwetter43 mi
- Ladysmith43 mi
More: all TV stations in Wisconsin · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Medford; signal estimates ignore terrain.