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What channel is PBS on antenna in Phoenix (Prescott)?

PBS is channel 8.1 (KAET).

It broadcasts on RF 8 (VHF), which any digital TV can receive.

Our terrain predictions put PBS on KAET within antenna reach of about 88% of people in the Phoenix (Prescott) market, and an indoor antenna is likely enough for about 0% (an estimate, not yet checked against real scans). Check your ZIP.

Updated from FCC data

Lost PBS? Rescan your TV first

Most missing channels come back after a Rescan Asking your TV to search for channels again. Fixes most missing channels. More in the glossary . If PBS still doesn't appear, the antenna needs to point toward the KAET tower and handle VHF Lower frequencies (RF 2–13). Needs an antenna with longer elements; many flat indoor antennas are weak here. More in the glossary .

Where PBS 8.1 comes from

  • Works on any digital TV

    KAET RF 8 · VHF

    KAET's own transmitter.

Which way to point for PBS around Phoenix (Prescott)

Aim at the KAET tower , at the main tower site with most other stations.

FromPointDistance
Mesa, AZ west-southwest (257°) 21 mi
Glendale, AZ south-southeast (152°) 16 mi
Scottsdale, AZ south-southwest (206°) 27 mi
Peoria, AZ south-southeast (154°) 36 mi
Surprise, AZ southeast (136°) 32 mi
Maricopa, AZ north (350°) 20 mi
Prescott Valley, AZ south (170°) 89 mi
Apache Junction, AZ west (264°) 30 mi
Get the exact direction for your address

The antenna you need for PBS in Phoenix (Prescott)

PBS reaches ordinary TVs on VHF, so choose an antenna rated for VHF as well as UHF; many flat indoor antennas are weak on VHF. Close to the towers an indoor antenna by a window often works; farther out, height matters most: attic beats window, roof beats attic.

The best antenna for all of Phoenix (Prescott) · VHF Lower frequencies (RF 2–13). Needs an antenna with longer elements; many flat indoor antennas are weak here. More in the glossary

More free channels from KAET

  • 8.2 Arizona PBS Life
  • 8.3 World
  • 8.4 PBS Kids
  • 8.5 Dolby Digital 5.1 simulcast of KBAQ

Other networks in Phoenix (Prescott)

All 88 antenna channels in Phoenix (Prescott)

Questions about PBS in Phoenix (Prescott)

What channel is PBS on antenna in Phoenix (Prescott)?
PBS is channel 8.1 (KAET) in Phoenix (Prescott). It broadcasts on RF 8 (VHF), which any digital TV can receive.
Why did PBS 8.1 disappear from my TV?
Run a channel rescan first. If it is still missing, check that your antenna points toward the KAET tower and that it handles VHF.
What antenna do I need for PBS in Phoenix (Prescott)?
An antenna rated for VHF as well as UHF, aimed at the KAET tower. Height matters more than brand: indoor close in, attic or roof farther out.

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.
  • 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