What channel is CBS on antenna in Syracuse?
CBS is channel 15.1 (WKOF).
WKOF's own transmitter (RF 15, UHF) now sends NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0). Ordinary TVs get CBS 15.1 from WTVH's signal on RF 18 (UHF), and it still shows up as 15.1.
Our terrain predictions put CBS on WKOF within antenna reach of about 90% of people in the Syracuse market, and an indoor antenna is likely enough for about 77% (an estimate, not yet checked against real scans). Check your ZIP.
Updated from FCC data
Lost CBS? Rescan your TV first
CBS 15.1 moved onto WTVH's signal when WKOF switched to NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) A newer broadcast format. Older TVs can't decode it, so stations also send the old format from a partner station. More in the glossary . TVs that haven't rescanned since are still looking on the old frequency. Run your TV's channel scan (often called "auto-program"); CBS comes back as 15.1.
Where CBS 15.1 comes from
Which way to point for CBS around Syracuse
Aim at WTVH's tower, which carries the version any TV can use . It stands apart from the main tower site, so it may need its own aim.
| From | Point | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Ithaca, NY | north-northeast (29°) | 40 mi |
| Auburn, NY | east (88°) | 23 mi |
| Cortland, NY | north (7°) | 24 mi |
| Oswego, NY | south-southeast (151°) | 40 mi |
| Oneida, NY | west-southwest (249°) | 24 mi |
| North Syracuse, NY | south (177°) | 13 mi |
| Hamilton, NY | west-northwest (286°) | 30 mi |
The antenna you need for CBS in Syracuse
CBS reaches ordinary TVs on UHF, so any antenna that picks up UHF will do. 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 Syracuse · VHF Lower frequencies (RF 2–13). Needs an antenna with longer elements; many flat indoor antennas are weak here. More in the glossary
Other networks in Syracuse
Questions about CBS in Syracuse
What channel is CBS on antenna in Syracuse?
Why did CBS 15.1 disappear from my TV?
What antenna do I need for CBS in Syracuse?
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