Antenna TV channels in Monterey-Salinas
23 stations broadcast free TV around Monterey-Salinas, carrying 20 channels including Subchannel An extra channel a station sends alongside its main one, like 2.2 or 2.3. More in the glossary . 4 of the 5 full-power stations transmit from one site, so in most of the area one aimed antenna picks up most of them.
Updated from FCC data
How well antenna TV works around Monterey-Salinas
For the big networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and PBS) that reach each home, an indoor antenna is likely enough for about 0% of people in the Monterey-Salinas market; about 96% need an attic or roof antenna, and for about 4% reception depends on the exact spot. A typical home gets about 20 free channels from 23 stations, some from neighbouring markets.
Estimates from our terrain predictions for an antenna about 30 ft up, adjusted for indoor use. They are not yet checked against real channel scans; VHF channels never count as indoor. How we work it out
Each network's reach
| Network | Reaches | Indoor likely |
|---|---|---|
| ABC | 96% | 0% |
| CBS | 72% | 66% |
| NBC | 96% | 0% |
| FOX | 72% | 66% |
| PBS | 78% | 62% |
| The CW | 91% | 0% |
| Univision | 81% | 60% |
| Telemundo | 43% | 0% |
Share of the market's 778k people, across its 51 ZIP codes.
Town by town
| Town | Antenna | Point | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salinas ZIP 93905 | Attic or outdoor | northeast (51°, most) | 33 |
| Santa Cruz ZIP 95060 | Attic or outdoor | southeast (127°) | 28 |
| Watsonville ZIP 95076 | Attic or outdoor | southeast (128°, most) | 20 |
| Hollister ZIP 95023 | Attic or outdoor | southwest (225°) | 29 |
| Seaside ZIP 93955 | Attic or outdoor | east-northeast (62°, most) | 20 |
| Monterey ZIP 93940 | Attic or outdoor | east-northeast (62°, most) | 28 |
| Soledad ZIP 93960 | Roof | north-northwest (337°, most) | 14 |
| Marina ZIP 93933 | Attic or outdoor | east-northeast (70°, most) | 21 |
| Greenfield ZIP 93927 | Roof | northwest (323°) | 19 |
| Pacific Grove ZIP 93950 | Attic or outdoor | east-northeast (67°, most) | 27 |
| King City ZIP 93930 | Attic or outdoor | north-northwest (332°) | 11 |
| Scotts Valley ZIP 95066 | Roof | southeast (126°) | 5 |
| Capitola ZIP 95010 | Attic or outdoor | southeast (132°) | 20 |
| Gonzales ZIP 93926 | Roof | north-northwest (348°, most) | 20 |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea ZIP 93921 | Attic or outdoor | east-northeast (59°, most) | 13 |
For the ZIP nearest each town's centre. Tap a town for its full channel list.
What channel is each network on in Monterey-Salinas?
| Network | Channel | Station |
|---|---|---|
 CBS | 46.1 | KION-TV |
 NBC | 8.1 | KSBW |
 ABC | 8.2 | KSBW |
 FOX | 46.2 | KION-TV |
 PBS | 9.1 also 9.2, 25.1 | KQET |
 The CW | 35.1 | KCBA |
 Univision | 67.1 | KSMS-TV |
 UniMás | 33.1 | KDJT-CD |
The best TV antenna for Monterey-Salinas
Get an antenna rated for both VHF and UHF and aim it at the main tower site, where 4 of the 5 full-power stations transmit. For most homes an attic or outdoor antenna is the safe choice; by our estimate an indoor one is likely enough for only about 0% of people.
- 9 channels reach ordinary TVs only on VHF (KSBW, KCBA), and many flat indoor antennas are weak on VHF.
- Most towers stand together, so one fixed aim covers nearly everything.
Not sure about VHF Lower frequencies (RF 2–13). Needs an antenna with longer elements; many flat indoor antennas are weak here. More in the glossary and UHF Higher frequencies (RF 14–36). Most stations are here; almost any antenna picks it up. More in the glossary ? See the glossary. Any brand of the right type will do.
Which way to point your antenna from Salinas, Santa Cruz, Soledad and nearby
Aim at the main tower site (KCBA, KQET, KSMS-TV, KSBW and others). From the largest towns around Monterey-Salinas:
| From | Point | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Salinas, CA | east-northeast (58°) | 9 mi |
| Santa Cruz, CA | east-southeast (117°) | 33 mi |
| Soledad, CA | north-northwest (335°) | 24 mi |
| Greenfield, CA | north-northwest (334°) | 33 mi |
One full-power station transmits from elsewhere: KION-TV (17 mi away). If you live near one of them, it may need a separate aim.
Where the Monterey-Salinas TV towers are
Map of 8 tower sites around Monterey-Salinas. The list below has every site.
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6 stations · 24 mi east-northeast of the centre
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5 stations · 24 mi east-northeast of the centre
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3 stations · 15 mi east-southeast of the centre
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3 stations · 15 mi east-southeast of the centre
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3 stations · 15 mi east-southeast of the centre
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1 station · 15 mi east-southeast of the centre
Every Monterey-Salinas station and subchannel
Including Class A and low-power stations Smaller stations with a shorter range than full-power ones. More in the glossary stations.
Full power (5)
- KSBW Salinas, CA · VHF
- 8.1 NBC
- 8.2 ABC
- 8.3 Estrella TV
- 8.4 Story Television
- 8.5 Outlaw
- KQET Watsonville, CA · UHF
- 9.1 PBS
- 9.2 PBS
- 9.3 KQED World
- 9.4 KQED Kids
- 25.1 PBS
- KCBA Salinas, CA · VHF
- 35.1 The CW
- 35.2 Court TV
- 35.3 Ion Plus
- 35.6 Confess by Nosey
- KION-TV Monterey, CA · UHF
- 46.1 CBS
- 46.2 Fox
- 46.3 Ion
- KSMS-TV Monterey, CA · UHF
- 67.1 Univision
Class A (2)
Low power (14)
- K09AAF-D Monterey, CA · VHF
No channel lineup in our data for this station yet.
- K14TG-D Monterey, CA · UHF
No channel lineup in our data for this station yet.
- K15CU-D Salinas, CA · UHF
No channel lineup in our data for this station yet.
- K21PI-D Monterey, CA · UHF
No channel lineup in our data for this station yet.
- K31OL-D Salinas, CA · UHF
No channel lineup in our data for this station yet.
- K33QY-D Salinas, CA · UHF
No channel lineup in our data for this station yet.
- KBIT-LD Monterey, CA · UHF
No channel lineup in our data for this station yet.
- KBNY-LD Monterey, CA · UHF
No channel lineup in our data for this station yet.
- KLFB-LD Salinas, CA · UHF
No channel lineup in our data for this station yet.
- KMBT-LD Salinas, CA · VHF
No channel lineup in our data for this station yet.
- KMBY-LD Monterey, CA · UHF
No channel lineup in our data for this station yet.
- KMCE-LD Monterey, CA · UHF
No channel lineup in our data for this station yet.
- KMUV-LD Monterey, CA · UHF
No channel lineup in our data for this station yet.
- KOTR-LD Monterey, CA · VHF
No channel lineup in our data for this station yet.
Questions about antenna TV in Monterey-Salinas
What channels are CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX on antenna in Monterey-Salinas?
What local channels can I get with an antenna in Monterey-Salinas?
What is the best TV antenna for Monterey-Salinas?
Which way should I point my antenna in Monterey-Salinas?
For the curious: tower and licence details
- K14TG-D · facility 182886 · RF 14 (UHF) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 3 kW · HAAT not filed · licensed 2023-03-09
- K33QY-D · facility 182258 · RF 33 (UHF) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 0.2 kW · HAAT not filed · licensed 2025-02-20 · newer construction permit granted
- KMBT-LD · facility 182246 · RF 12 (VHF-high) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 0.09 kW · HAAT not filed · licensed 2024-02-05
- KOTR-LD · facility 187515 · RF 7 (VHF-high) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 0.7 kW · HAAT not filed · licensed 2023-08-08
- KBNY-LD · facility 168787 · RF 29 (UHF) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 15 kW · HAAT not filed · licensed 2023-07-17
- K31OL-D · facility 43593 · RF 31 (UHF) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 15 kW · HAAT not filed · licensed 2019-07-30
- KMBY-LD · facility 68025 · RF 27 (UHF) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 15 kW · HAAT not filed · licensed 2023-05-16
- K10RY-D · facility 182086 · RF 10 (VHF-high) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 0.2 kW · HAAT not filed · licensed 2025-05-29
- KION-TV · facility 26249 · RF 32 (UHF) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 105 kW · HAAT 780 m · licensed 2025-08-06
- KLFB-LD · facility 30976 · RF 22 (UHF) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 15 kW · HAAT not filed · licensed 2023-07-24
- KMMD-CD · facility 167838 · RF 28 (UHF) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 12 kW · HAAT not filed · licensed 2019-07-09 · newer construction permit granted
- KCBA · facility 14867 · RF 11 (VHF-high) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 19.75 kW · HAAT 726 m · licensed 2020-06-11
- K09AAF-D · facility 185788 · RF 9 (VHF-high) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 0.7 kW · HAAT not filed · licensed 2024-01-24
- K30OM-D · facility 34565 · RF 30 (UHF) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 5.41 kW · HAAT not filed · licensed 2022-01-27
- K21PI-D · facility 185730 · RF 21 (UHF) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 5 kW · HAAT not filed · licensed 2024-01-24 · newer construction permit granted
- KMCE-LD · facility 183829 · RF 35 (UHF) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 15 kW · HAAT not filed · licensed 2022-07-12
- KQET · facility 8214 · RF 25 (UHF) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 81.1 kW · HAAT 698.6 m · licensed 2010-08-02
- KDJT-CD · facility 52888 · RF 26 (UHF) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 15 kW · HAAT not filed · licensed 2021-09-16
- KSMS-TV · facility 35611 · RF 26 (UHF) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 15 kW · HAAT not filed · licensed 2021-09-16
- KSBW · facility 19653 · RF 8 (VHF-high) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 20.6 kW · HAAT 760 m · licensed 2010-09-28
- KMUV-LD · facility 59362 · RF 23 (UHF) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 15 kW · HAAT not filed · licensed 2021-04-16
- K15CU-D · facility 64979 · RF 15 (UHF) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 5.74 kW · HAAT not filed · licensed 2014-08-07
- KBIT-LD · facility 35661 · RF 24 (UHF) · ERP (effective radiated power) Transmitter power after the antenna's gain, in kilowatts. More in the glossary 15 kW · HAAT not filed · licensed 2022-07-11
Where this comes from
- Stations, towers, channels and power: FCC Licensing and Management System (LMS) public database, data of .
- Networks and subchannels: our affiliations dataset, built from Wikipedia (used under CC BY-SA 4.0), the network field stations file with the FCC, and station websites; checked . Credits.
- Towns and distances: US Census Bureau: Vintage 2025 city population estimates (SUB-EST2025) and 2026 Gazetteer place coordinates; distances are straight-line from each town's Census centre point.
- Reception: Reception predictions over USGS terrain for every ZIP, FCC data 2026-11-03 00:00:00 (model 2026-11-11.4)
- Market area: Market area: counties assigned by FCC service-contour coverage of each market's full-power stations (FCC LMS market list, Census 2020).
Updated How we work this out