You can get 10 free channels in ZIP 50842 (Creston, IA)
Measured from the U.S. Census center of ZIP 50842 · 0 channels have a Strong indoor-ready signal.
Outdoor Rooftop Directional Antenna
Signals here are mostly distant or weak. A rooftop directional antenna (with a mast preamp) gives you the best shot at reliable HD.
🧭 Broadcast Tower Compass — Which Way to Point Your Antenna
Each dot is a local TV tower relative to your center point (● Green = Strong, ● Blue = Moderate, ● Amber = Weak).
Primary Aim Direction: WNW (297°)
Place your indoor antenna near a window or exterior wall facing WNW (297°), or aim your attic/rooftop antenna toward that compass bearing for the strongest signal lock.
After placing or moving your antenna, always run a fresh TV channel rescan.
Channel Lineup & Tower Directions for ZIP 50842
Sorted with Strong signals and major broadcast networks first. Channel is the virtual channel number your TV displays; Band / RF Ch. is the actual radio frequency that determines whether you need a VHF-capable antenna. How we calculate signals.
| Channel | Network | Station | Distance | Point Antenna | Band / RF Ch. | Estimated Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | PBS | KHIN Red Oak, IA · Full Power | 46.3 mi | WNW (297°) | UHF RF 35 | ● Moderate — Window / High Indoor |
| 5 | ABC | WOI-DT Ames, IA · Full Power | 68.9 mi | NE (39°) | Low VHF RF 5 | ▲ Weak — Outdoor / Attic |
| 8 | CBS | KCCI Des Moines, IA · Full Power | 68.7 mi | NE (39°) | High VHF RF 8 | ▲ Weak — Outdoor / Attic |
| 13 | NBC | WHO-DT Des Moines, IA · Full Power | 68.9 mi | NE (39°) | High VHF RF 13 | ▲ Weak — Outdoor / Attic |
| 17 | FOX | KDSM-TV Des Moines, IA · Full Power | 70.0 mi | NE (39°) | UHF RF 16 | ▲ Weak — Outdoor / Attic |
| 11 | PBS | KDIN-TV Des Moines, IA · Full Power | 68.9 mi | NE (39°) | UHF RF 34 | ▲ Weak — Outdoor / Attic |
| 56 | CW | KDMI Des Moines, IA · Full Power | 70.0 mi | NE (39°) | UHF RF 19 | ▲ Weak — Outdoor / Attic |
| 6 | NBC | WOWT Omaha, NE · Full Power | 83.5 mi | WNW (284°) | UHF RF 22 | ○ Fringe — Deep Outdoor |
| 23 | CW | KCWI-TV Ames, IA · Full Power | 70.0 mi | NE (39°) | UHF RF 23 | ○ Fringe — Deep Outdoor |
| 39 | ION | KFPX-TV Newton, IA · Full Power | 68.7 mi | NE (39°) | UHF RF 36 | ○ Fringe — Deep Outdoor |
Closest city guide: Creston, IA Free TV Channels (5.3 mi from ZIP 50842 center) · Browse all Iowa cities & ZIPs.
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