Pitkin County Free TV 

With a simple, inexpensive antenna, you can now receive free digital HD TV service including ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, PBS and local channels Grassroots TV and CGTV (Pitkin County, City of Aspen and Town of Snowmass Village government and local programming).

Click here for a full listing of stations available by local area.

This new service makes possible:

• More channels

• Better reception

• A high quality, HD picture

• Access to local channels Grassroots TV and CGTV

Background of TV service in Pitkin County

Due to the mountainous terrain of Pitkin County, it is impossible to directly receive television and radio broadcast signals everywhere. Therefore, Pitkin County provides TV and FM radio signals to residents throughout the valley.

The Pitkin County TV/FM Department maintains and operates a mountain-top system of transmitter towers (translators) that rebroadcast FM radio and TV signals to residents of Pitkin County and other portions of the Roaring Fork Valley. There are six TV communication sites throughout the valley.

Am I eligible?

Residents must be in line of sight of one of six TV towers (translators) in order to receive this free TV service. Find out if your residence can receive the signal by going to the free TV coverage map.

Please call (970) 920-5395 or e-mail freetv@co.pitkin.co.us if you have any questions about your ability to take advantage of this free service.

Why would I want to receive this service?

First of all, this is a service of Pitkin County government and is completely free to everyone in the TV coverage area.

To receive basic HD TV service, you will no longer have to contract with a local cable or satellite company. However, keep in mind that this free service is basic network and local government stations only. It does not currently offer any other cable TV or premium channel networks.

Secondly, this service makes it possible to receive Grassroots TV and Community Government Television (CGTV) in areas where these two local access stations were not previously available. CGTV will allow you to closely follow the day-to-day work of Aspen, Pitkin County and Town of Snowmass Village governments and to follow the discussion and decision-making process on critical issues.

And finally, this service offers improved reception and a very high quality digital HD picture.

How do I start receiving free TV?

To take advantage of this service, eligible residents will need a digital-ready TV or a converter box and/or antenna.
The system works best if you have a clear view of the towers. (See Free TV Coverage Map) TV signals don’t go through mountains. You’ll need to be close to the site and have a clear view of the towers to get an indoor antenna to work well. If you don’t have good line of sight you’ll need an outdoor antenna. It needs to be pointed at the tower closest to you.

The simple, inexpensive equipment required to receive this free TV may be purchased at:

Alpine Ace Hardware  300 Puppy Smith Aspen, Co 970-925-3031 info@aspenace.com

Ace Hardware of Carbondale 1011 Hwy 133 Carbondale, Co 970-963-6663 info@carbondaleace.com

Please feel free to call or email with any questions!

What if I need help with set up and installation of my antenna?

If you have any questions about or difficulty with the installation of your antenna, please call us at (970) 920-5395 or email us at freetv@co.pitkin.co.us. We would be happy to help. Or if you prefer, we can also give you a list of private contractors who do installation and can handle everything for you. Their services would be charged by them directly at prevailing rates.