You can get 12 free channels in ZIP 50261 (Van Meter, IA)
Measured from the U.S. Census center of ZIP 50261 · 8 channels have a Strong indoor-ready signal.
Indoor Window or Tabletop Antenna
8 stations arrive with a Strong signal here. Place a quality indoor antenna near a window or wall facing the towers.
🧭 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: NE (36°)
Place your indoor antenna near a window or exterior wall facing NE (36°), 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 50261
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | ABC | WOI-DT Ames, IA · Full Power | 28.0 mi | NE (34°) | Low VHF RF 5 | ● Strong — Indoor OK |
| 8 | CBS | KCCI Des Moines, IA · Full Power | 27.8 mi | NNE (34°) | High VHF RF 8 | ● Strong — Indoor OK |
| 13 | NBC | WHO-DT Des Moines, IA · Full Power | 28.0 mi | NE (34°) | High VHF RF 13 | ● Strong — Indoor OK |
| 17 | FOX | KDSM-TV Des Moines, IA · Full Power | 29.2 mi | NNE (33°) | UHF RF 16 | ● Strong — Indoor OK |
| 11 | PBS | KDIN-TV Des Moines, IA · Full Power | 28.0 mi | NE (34°) | UHF RF 34 | ● Strong — Indoor OK |
| 56 | CW | KDMI Des Moines, IA · Full Power | 29.2 mi | NNE (33°) | UHF RF 19 | ● Strong — Indoor OK |
| 23 | CW | KCWI-TV Ames, IA · Full Power | 29.2 mi | NNE (33°) | UHF RF 23 | ● Strong — Indoor OK |
| 39 | ION | KFPX-TV Newton, IA · Full Power | 27.8 mi | NNE (34°) | UHF RF 36 | ● Strong — Indoor OK |
| – | Local / LPTV | K32NM-D Des Moines, IA · Low Power | 15.6 mi | NNE (33°) | UHF RF 32 | ● Moderate — Window / High Indoor |
| – | Local / LPTV | WBXF-CD Des Moines, IA · Class A | 17.1 mi | ENE (63°) | UHF RF 28 | ● Moderate — Window / High Indoor |
| 45 | Local / LPTV | KDIT-CD Des Moines, IA · Class A | 29.2 mi | NNE (33°) | UHF RF 17 | ● Moderate — Window / High Indoor |
| 36 | PBS | KHIN Red Oak, IA · Full Power | 69.8 mi | W (263°) | UHF RF 35 | ○ Fringe — Deep Outdoor |
Closest city guide: Van Meter, IA Free TV Channels (3.6 mi from ZIP 50261 center) · Browse all Iowa cities & ZIPs.
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