TV channels & antenna towers in Wausau, Wisconsin
Wausau has 18 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, NBC, Fox, CW and ION. About 10 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is WSAW-TV (CW), 4.0 miles to the SW.
Network channels in Wausau
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CWWSAW-TVCW | 7.4 | 4.0 mi | 228° SW | Strong | Wausau, WI |
| ABCWAOWABC | 9 | 4.0 mi | 228° SW | Strong | Wausau, WI |
| FOXWZAW-LDFox | 33 | 10 mi | 50° NE | Good | Wausau, WI |
| IONWTPX-TVION | 46 | 12 mi | 54° NE | Good | Antigo, WI |
| NBCWJFW-TVNBC | 12 | 53 mi | 23° NNE | Good | Rhinelander, WI |
| ABCWMOWABC | 4.2 | 56 mi | 40° NE | Poor | Crandon, WI |
| CWWYOWCW | 34 | 59 mi | 18° NNE | Poor | Eagle River, WI |
| CWWEAUCW | 14.10 | 68 mi | 253° WSW | Good | Eau Claire, WI |
| CWWECX-LDCW | 14 | 68 mi | 253° WSW | Poor | Eau Claire, WI |
Over-the-air TV in Wausau
With roughly 39,100 residents, Wausau is a town in Wisconsin. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 18 licensed TV transmitters: 9 full-power, 7 low-power and 2 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 10 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 7 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 8 transmitters are within 25 miles, 2 between 25 and 45 miles, and 8 farther out. Wausau is a broadcast hub in its own right: three of the 9 network stations in range are licensed here.
The strongest network signals here are ABC on channel 9 (WAOW), NBC on channel 12 (WJFW-TV), Fox on channel 33 (WZAW-LD), CW on channel 7.4 (WSAW-TV) and ION on channel 46 (WTPX-TV). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WFRV-TV in Green Bay, WI, 92 miles to the southeast. 2 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 Wausau
The main network towers around Wausau are in different directions: ABC 228° SW (4.0 mi) and NBC 23° NNE (53 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 4.0 miles southwest of Wausau (228° SW). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
Of the 5 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Wausau at fair strength or better, 40% arrive from the southwest; the rest are spread across two other directions.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Wausau, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Wausau
The farthest main network tower for Wausau is WJFW-TV (NBC), 53 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.
WSAW-TV is only 4.0 miles away with a strong signal. Signals that strong can overload an amplifier, so start without one and add it only if distant channels are missing. Read when an amplifier helps.
Other stations near Wausau
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 | 4.0 mi | 228° SW | Strong | Wausau, WI |
| W27AU-DLow power | 5.0 mi | 192° SSW | Fair | Wausau, WI |
| W36EI-DLow power | 10 mi | 50° NE | Weak | Wausau, WI |
| WRJT-LDLow power | 25 mi | 207° SSW | Fair | Wausau, WI |
| W26EE-DLow power | 31 mi | 89° E | Fair | Wittenberg, WI |
| W31EV-DLow power | 37 mi | 206° SSW | Weak | Stevens Point, WI |
| W33EW-DTranslator | 58 mi | 70° ENE | Poor | Rhinelander, WI |
| WNWEFull power | 59 mi | 18° NNE | Poor | Eagle River, WI |
| W29ET-DTranslator | 65 mi | 177° S | Poor | Coloma, WI |
How Wausau compares with the rest of Wisconsin
With 10 stations at fair strength or better, Wausau ranks 261st of 423 places in Wisconsin: fewer than the typical Wisconsin town (12). Its nearest major network tower is 4.0 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 Wausau: 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 23° NNE, the direction of WJFW-TV (NBC), 53 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 Wausau, WI?
ABC is on channel 9 from WAOW, broadcasting from 4.0 miles SW of Wausau. Estimated signal: strong.
What channel is NBC in Wausau, WI?
NBC is on channel 12 from WJFW-TV, broadcasting from 53 miles NNE of Wausau. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is Fox in Wausau, WI?
Fox is on channel 33 from WZAW-LD, broadcasting from 10 miles NE of Wausau. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Wausau, WI?
CW is on channel 7.4 from WSAW-TV, broadcasting from 4.0 miles SW of Wausau. Estimated signal: strong.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Wausau?
18 transmitters within 70 miles of Wausau; 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 Wausau?
The main network towers around Wausau are in different directions: ABC 228° SW (4.0 mi) and NBC 23° NNE (53 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
What kind of antenna do I need in Wausau?
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 154° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Wausau?
WSAW-TV is only 4.0 miles away with a strong signal. Signals that strong can overload an amplifier, so start without one and add it only if distant channels are missing. Read when an amplifier helps.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Wausau?
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
- Schofield3.6 mi
- Rib Mountain3.9 mi
- Rothschild5.0 mi
- Maine5.5 mi
- Weston6.2 mi
- Kronenwetter9.7 mi
- Merrill16 mi
- Bevent18 mi
- Wittenberg24 mi
- Stratford25 mi
- Antigo26 mi
- Stevens Point30 mi
- Marshfield33 mi
- Abbotsford34 mi
- Plover35 mi
- Tomahawk36 mi
- Medford37 mi
- Iola40 mi
- Wisconsin Rapids41 mi
- Loyal45 mi
- Rhinelander48 mi
- Clintonville49 mi
- Manawa49 mi
- Waupaca49 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 Wausau; signal estimates ignore terrain.