TV channels & antenna towers in Washburn, Wisconsin
Washburn has 15 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, NBC, Fox and CW. About 5 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is W15EE-D, 6.4 miles to the SSE.
Network channels in Washburn
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CWKDLHCW | 3 | 58 mi | 278° W | Fair | Duluth, MN |
| NBCKBJR-TVNBC | 6 | 58 mi | 278° W | Fair | Superior, WI |
| FOXKQDS-TVFox | 21 | 59 mi | 279° W | Fair | Duluth, MN |
| ABCWDIO-DTABC | 10 | 59 mi | 278° W | Weak | Duluth, MN |
Over-the-air TV in Washburn
With roughly 2,060 residents, Washburn is a small community in Wisconsin. Our map shows 15 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 7 full-power, 5 low-power and 3 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 5 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 2 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 1 transmitter is within 25 miles, 1 between 25 and 45 miles, and 13 farther out. Three of the 4 network stations in range are licensed to Duluth, MN, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Duluth's stations.
The best-placed network stations are ABC on channel 10 (WDIO-DT), NBC on channel 6 (KBJR-TV), Fox on channel 21 (KQDS-TV) and CW on channel 3 (KDLH). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WZMQ in Marquette, MI, 155 miles to the east. 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 Washburn
Point your antenna W, at about 278°. The main network towers for Washburn sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Four network stations, KDLH, KBJR-TV, KQDS-TV and WDIO-DT, transmit from the same tower site about 58 miles west of Washburn (278° W). Point at that site and a single antenna setting picks them all up.
Of the 3 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Washburn at fair strength or better, all arrive from the west, so this is an easy place to aim.
WDIO-DT (ABC), KBJR-TV (NBC) and KQDS-TV (Fox) lie beyond the radio horizon of their transmitter as seen from Washburn. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Washburn
The farthest main network tower for Washburn is WDIO-DT (ABC), 59 miles away with a 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 Washburn
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W15EE-DTranslator | 6.4 mi | 155° SSE | Good | Ashland, WI |
| W32CV-DTranslator | 37 mi | 115° ESE | Poor | Ironwood, MI |
| K31GH-DTranslator | 53 mi | 208° SSW | Poor | Hayward, WI |
| K23MQ-DLow power | 58 mi | 278° W | Poor | Duluth, MN |
| WLEF-TVFull power | 58 mi | 149° SSE | Good | Park Falls, WI |
| KCWVFull power | 59 mi | 278° W | Poor | Duluth, MN |
| K35JN-DLow power | 59 mi | 278° W | Poor | Duluth, MN |
| K30QX-DLow power | 59 mi | 278° W | Poor | Duluth, MN |
| K17OV-DLow power | 59 mi | 278° W | Poor | Duluth, MN |
| KMYN-LDLow power | 59 mi | 278° W | Poor | Duluth, MN |
| WDSEFull power | 59 mi | 278° W | Weak | Duluth, MN |
How Washburn compares with the rest of Wisconsin
With 5 stations at fair strength or better, Washburn ranks 407th of 423 places in Wisconsin: fewer than the typical Wisconsin town (12). Its nearest major network tower is 58 miles away, against a state median of 25 miles.
26% of Wisconsin's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Washburn: 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 278° W, the direction of WDIO-DT (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 Washburn, WI?
ABC is on channel 10 from WDIO-DT, broadcasting from 59 miles W of Washburn. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is NBC in Washburn, WI?
NBC is on channel 6 from KBJR-TV, broadcasting from 58 miles W of Washburn. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is Fox in Washburn, WI?
Fox is on channel 21 from KQDS-TV, broadcasting from 59 miles W of Washburn. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is CW in Washburn, WI?
CW is on channel 3 from KDLH, broadcasting from 58 miles W of Washburn. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Washburn?
15 transmitters within 70 miles of Washburn; 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 Washburn?
Point your antenna W, at about 278°. The main network towers for Washburn sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Washburn?
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 Washburn?
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 Washburn?
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.
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More: all TV stations in Wisconsin · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Washburn; signal estimates ignore terrain.