You can get to a CBS channel on most cable systems and streaming platforms, including Spectrum, Xfinity, DIRECTV via Satellite and DIRECTV Stream, plus others.

Locate the CBS Channel on Your System

The channel number for CBS near you is based on your location, TV service provider, and subscription type. Your local CBS affiliate is determined by your geographic market area, with each region having a designated affiliate station. When using cable or satellite services like DIRECTV, Spectrum, or Xfinity, CBS typically appears among the lower channel numbers (2-13) in most markets, though exact placement varies by provider and location.

For streaming services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or DIRECTV STREAM, CBS is usually included in basic packages, but availability depends on whether streaming rights have been secured for your specific market. Some areas have multiple CBS affiliates available, and your provider determines which one you receive based on your service address.

You can also get CBS on an antenna. As one of the major broadcast networks that transmits over-the-air signals, CBS is accessible with a standard TV antenna in most areas of the United States. CBS stations broadcast on various VHF and UHF frequencies depending on location. The broadcast signal strength and quality in your area depends on how far you are from the nearest CBS transmitter; whether your local topography will block a signal, and the type and quality of your properly positioned antenna. Check the FCC reception map, or download a free app that provides geo station availability on an antenna. You’ll need to provide your address and then you should see the signal strength for your local CBS affiliate. Make a note of the direction of the station transmitter to properly aim your own antenna. If you’re in a rural location you might need a more powerful outdoor antenna to receive a clear CBS signal.

Why CBS Has Different Channel Numbers

Assigning a channel, as it turns out, is a storied and fascinating process that, in the right hands, could make a binge-worthy mini-series if you threw in a few compelling and quirky characters. There is no nationwide CBS channel. Instead, when the networks were created decades ago, the FCC assigned unique channel numbers to the limited number of broadcasters (compared with the many today) so that there would be no signal interference at each location where signals were being broadcast. The historical assignments of channel 2, 3, or 5 in the biggest U.S. cities have been carried through to current times where possible because that is how people remember finding CBS. CBS partners with local affiliate stations, owned and operated by other companies, to carry its programming in various locations around the U.S. Each affiliate station had to negotiate with cable providers and local governing authorities to secure a channel number. We now know that TV channels are delivered by the hundreds both by cable signals and via streaming over the internet, but back when this system was created, there were three major network channels: ABC, CBS, and NBC, along with a Public Broadcasting Channel (PBS) in larger metro areas. For example, a TV in the 1960s would pick up channels 3, 6, 10, and 13, or a similar configuration. The advantage of being a lower number, then and now, is that it's easier for people to remember.

Here is a guide to finding CBS on major systems.

CBS CHANNEL FINDER GUIDE

City	Local Affiliate	DIRECTV	DISH	Xfinity Comcast	Spectrum Charter	Cox
Albany, NY	WRGB (6)	6	6		6
Albuquerque, NM	KRQE (13)	13	13	13	13
Anchorage, AK	KTUU (5)	5	5		5
Atlanta, GA	WCGL (19), WANF (46)	46	46	9	4
Austin, TX	KEYE (42)	42	42		42
Bakersfield, CA	KBAK (29)	29	29		29
Baltimore, MD	WJZ (13)	13	13		13
Baton Rouge, LA	WAFB (9)	9	9		9	9
Billings, MT (**)	KTVQ (2)	2	2		2
Birmingham, AL	WIAT (42)	42	42		42
Boise, ID	KBOI (2)	2	2		2	2
Boston, MA	WBZ (4)	4	4		4
Buffalo, NY	WIBV (4)	4	4		4
Washington, DC	WUSA (9)	9	9	9
West Palm Beach, FL	WPEC (12)	12	12		12
Wichita, KS	KWCH (12)	12	12		12

* Note: TV providers update their coverage areas and channel listings continually so verify TV service and channel number at your address using the carrier's website.

 

Can I Get CBS on an Antenna?

Yes, you can definitely get CBS on an antenna. CBS is one of the major broadcast networks that transmits over-the-air signals, making it accessible with a standard TV antenna in most areas of the United States.

CBS stations broadcast on various VHF and UHF frequencies depending on your location. The broadcast signal strength and quality you'll receive depends on:

1. Your distance from the nearest CBS transmitter
2. Local topography (hills, buildings, etc. that may block signals)
3. The type and quality of antenna you're using
4. Whether your antenna is indoor or outdoor
5. Proper antenna positioning and alignment

To find which CBS affiliate serves your area and the optimal antenna direction:

• Visit the FCC's reception map tool or websites like AntennaWeb.org
• Enter your address to see which stations are available in your area
• Check the signal strength prediction for your local CBS affiliate
• Note the direction of the transmitter to properly aim your antenna

CBS Fun Facts: Did You Know?

• CBS began as a radio network in 1927 called "United Independent Broadcasters" before changing to the "Columbia Broadcasting System" in 1928. Their iconic eye logo, introduced in 1951, is one of the longest-used television logos in history.
• The "CBS eye" logo was designed by William Golden, who was inspired by hex signs painted on Shaker barns in Pennsylvania. The network pays approximately $10,000 annually to the family of the designer as a perpetual licensing fee.
• CBS broadcast the first televised presidential debate between Kennedy and Nixon in 1960, which famously showed a sweating Nixon against a composed Kennedy, demonstrating television's power to influence politics.
• The network pioneered color television technology but initially resisted color broadcasting. While NBC (with parent company RCA's color TV sets) embraced color programming in the 1950s, CBS didn't fully commit to color broadcasting until 1965.
• CBS was nicknamed "The Tiffany Network" during its golden age under William S. Paley's leadership, reflecting its reputation for prestigious, high-quality programming and news coverage. The term was coined by founder Paley himself, who wanted CBS to be the Tiffany's of broadcasting.