What Channel is CBS in Albuquerque? A Comprehensive Guide to KRQE News 13

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, the CBS affiliate is KRQE-TV, which broadcasts on virtual channel 13. Whether you are using a digital antenna, a cable provider like Xfinity, a satellite service such as DirecTV or DISH, or a modern streaming platform, CBS is readily accessible across the high desert region via this long-standing local station.

Finding the correct channel for CBS in the Albuquerque-Santa Fe market depends entirely on your specific television delivery method. As the primary source for major sporting events like the NFL on CBS, high-profile primetime dramas, and extensive local news coverage, KRQE is a cornerstone of New Mexico broadcasting. Below is a detailed breakdown of how to access CBS in 2026, including technical specifications for antenna users and channel assignments for all major providers.

Understanding the Albuquerque CBS Affiliate: KRQE News 13

KRQE, known on-air as "KRQE News 13," is the primary CBS television station for the Albuquerque-Santa Fe designated market area (DMA). Owned by Nexstar Media Group, KRQE has a rich history in the Land of Enchantment, serving not just the metropolitan area but much of New Mexico through a network of translators.

The station’s identity is deeply intertwined with its channel number. Since its inception, "13" has been the brand associated with CBS in this region. While the digital transition changed how frequencies are managed behind the scenes, the "virtual channel" remains 13.1 for high-definition CBS programming.

In addition to CBS, KRQE manages several other subchannels and sister stations, often sharing resources with the local Fox and CW affiliates. This consolidation means that when you search for CBS in Albuquerque, you are looking specifically for the KRQE signal, which originates its primary transmission from the Sandia Crest, providing a massive coverage area that reaches far beyond the city limits.

How to Watch CBS in Albuquerque Over-the-Air (OTA)

For viewers who prefer "cutting the cord" and using a digital antenna, CBS is free to access. However, because Albuquerque’s geography is dominated by the Sandia Mountains, understanding the technical side of the signal is vital for a clear picture.

Virtual vs. Physical Channels

While your television will display CBS as Channel 13.1, the station actually broadcasts its digital signal over a specific physical frequency. In the Albuquerque market, KRQE typically utilizes a VHF (Very High Frequency) signal. This is a critical distinction for antenna users: many small, flat "leaf" antennas are designed primarily for UHF (Ultra High Frequency) signals. If you are having trouble picking up KRQE 13.1, you may need an antenna specifically rated for VHF reception.

Signal Direction and Placement

The vast majority of Albuquerque’s television transmitters, including KRQE’s, are located atop Sandia Crest. This is advantageous for most residents because it provides a clear line of sight to a high elevation.

• Orientation: If you are in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, or Los Lunas, you should point your antenna toward the Sandia Mountains to the east.
• Interference: Concrete walls, radiant heat barriers in attics, and electronic interference from appliances can degrade the signal. Placing your antenna near a window facing the mountains is usually the most effective strategy.

NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0)

By 2026, Albuquerque has made significant strides in the deployment of ATSC 3.0, also known as NextGen TV. This technology allows for 4K broadcasting, better signal penetration, and interactive features. KRQE participated in the early market transitions for NextGen TV. To access this, you need a TV with a built-in ATSC 3.0 tuner or an external converter box. On a NextGen-ready device, you may find the CBS feed on a different logical channel number, though 13.1 remains the standard for traditional digital tuners.

CBS Channel Numbers on Cable and Satellite

For those who subscribe to traditional pay-TV services, the channel mapping is handled by the provider. In Albuquerque, the market is primarily served by Comcast Xfinity, though smaller regional providers exist in outlying areas.

Comcast Xfinity

Comcast, operating under the Xfinity brand, is the dominant cable provider in the Albuquerque metro area.

• Standard Definition (SD): Usually found on Channel 13.
• High Definition (HD): Usually found on Channel 713 or 1013.

Xfinity frequently updates its "neighborhood" channel lineups, where local stations are grouped together in the 1000+ range. If you cannot find CBS on channel 13, use the voice remote and say "CBS" or "KRQE" to be taken directly to the HD feed.

DirecTV and DISH Network

Satellite providers deliver local channels based on your billing zip code. If you are within the Albuquerque-Santa Fe DMA, you will receive KRQE.

• DirecTV: CBS (KRQE) is located on Channel 13.
• DISH Network: CBS (KRQE) is located on Channel 13.

Satellite users should note that during heavy monsoon rains or winter snowstorms—common occurrences in New Mexico—the satellite signal may experience "rain fade." During these times, many modern satellite receivers allow you to switch to an integrated streaming backup or an OTA antenna input to continue watching CBS.

Accessing CBS via Live Streaming Services

As of 2026, streaming has become a primary method for many Albuquerque households to watch live local television. Unlike "on-demand" apps, Live TV Streaming Services (vMVPDs) provide a real-time feed of KRQE 13.

Paramount+ (The Essential App for CBS)

Paramount+ is the direct-to-consumer streaming service from Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS. To watch the live local feed of KRQE in Albuquerque, you generally need the "Paramount+ with SHOWTIME" tier (formerly known as the Premium tier). The "Essential" tier typically only offers on-demand access to CBS shows the day after they air, though major sporting events like the NFL are sometimes included in the base tier.

Other Live Streaming Platforms

The following services carry KRQE as part of their local channel packages in the Albuquerque area:

1. YouTube TV: Includes KRQE in its base "Spanish" and "English" plans. It offers a robust cloud DVR, making it a popular choice for sports fans.
2. Hulu + Live TV: Provides the live KRQE feed along with the standard Hulu on-demand library and Disney+ bundle.
3. FuboTV: Heavily focused on sports, Fubo carries KRQE and is often preferred by those who want to ensure they catch every Mountain West or NFL game.
4. DirecTV Stream: Offers the same local channel lineup as the satellite service but delivered via the internet, often with higher bitrates for better picture quality.

Troubleshooting CBS Reception in Albuquerque

If you are tuned to Channel 13 but are seeing a black screen, "No Signal" message, or pixelated images, there are several Albuquerque-specific factors that could be at play.

Mountain Blockage and Multi-path Interference

Albuquerque’s unique geography creates "shadow zones." If you live directly at the base of the Sandias (in the "Heights" or "High Desert" neighborhoods), you might actually be too close to the transmitter, causing signal "clipping," or you might be in a pocket where the signal passes over you. Conversely, if you are in the Valley, buildings and large cottonwood trees can cause "multi-path interference," where the signal bounces off objects and arrives at your antenna at slightly different times, confusing the tuner.

Solution: Perform a "Full Channel Scan" in your TV settings. If the signal is weak, consider an amplified antenna or moving the antenna to a different side of the house.

Technical Transitions and Rescans

Broadcasters occasionally move their frequencies as part of FCC "repacks" or transitions to NextGen TV. If CBS suddenly disappears from your antenna lineup, the first step is always to rescan your channels. Most digital tuners will find the new location of the KRQE signal automatically during this process.

Cable and Streaming Outages

For Xfinity or streaming users, loss of CBS is often tied to local internet outages or equipment issues.

• Xfinity: Check the Xfinity Status Map for outages in the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County area.
• Streaming: Ensure your location services are turned on. Streaming apps use your IP address and GPS data to verify you are in Albuquerque. If you are using a VPN, your streaming service may block CBS because it cannot verify your local eligibility.

Programming on KRQE CBS 13

Knowing where to find the channel is the first step; knowing what to watch is the second. KRQE provides a mix of national CBS programming and hyper-local content tailored to New Mexico.

Local News Excellence

KRQE is widely recognized for its local news coverage. They produce more hours of local news than almost any other station in the market. Key time slots include:

• Morning: 4:30 AM to 7:00 AM (Followed by CBS Mornings).
• Midday: 12:00 PM.
• Evening: 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 5:30 PM, and 10:00 PM.

The station is well-known for its "KRQE Cares" initiatives and deep investigative reporting, often focusing on issues pertinent to the Duke City, such as water conservation, public safety, and state politics in Santa Fe.

Sports Coverage

For many, "CBS" is synonymous with "NFL." As the Albuquerque affiliate, KRQE is the home for:

• NFL on CBS: Featuring AFC matchups, specifically focusing on the Denver Broncos, who have a massive following in New Mexico.
• NCAA March Madness: CBS carries the bulk of the college basketball tournament.
• The Masters: CBS provides iconic coverage of the premier golf tournament every April.
• Mountain West Sports: Given the local interest in the UNM Lobos, KRQE occasionally features or promotes regional sports content relevant to the Mountain West Conference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is CBS Channel 13 and not another number?

In the early days of television, stations were assigned numbers based on their frequency. Channel 13 is at the high end of the VHF band. Over decades, KRQE built its brand around "Channel 13," so even when television went digital in 2009, they used "Virtual Channel Mapping" to ensure that when a viewer types "13" into their remote, the TV directs them to the correct digital frequency.

Can I watch CBS in Santa Fe on the same channel?

Yes. Albuquerque and Santa Fe share the same television market. KRQE operates several translator stations (like K22NM-D) that rebroadcast the Channel 13 signal into the mountainous areas surrounding Santa Fe and northern New Mexico. On most cable and satellite systems in Santa Fe, it remains Channel 13.

Is CBS available for free in Albuquerque?

Yes, CBS is a broadcast network. If you have a television with a digital tuner and a standard antenna, you can receive KRQE 13.1 for free without any monthly subscription fees.

What happened to the CBS signal during the storm?

Albuquerque’s Sandia Crest transmitters are over 10,000 feet above sea level. While rare, extreme icing or lightning at the crest can occasionally damage equipment or knock the station off the air. Additionally, heavy cloud cover can affect satellite reception. If you lose the signal during a storm, checking the KRQE website or social media on your phone is the fastest way to see if it is a station-wide outage.

Does KRQE have subchannels?

Yes. Besides the main CBS feed on 13.1, KRQE often hosts other networks on its digital subchannels. These can include Fox (on 13.2 in some configurations, though Fox has its own primary channel on 2.1), Bounce TV, or Grit. These subchannels provide specialized classic television or movie programming.

Summary and Recommendations

To watch CBS in Albuquerque in 2026, KRQE News 13 is your destination.

• For the best picture quality: Use an outdoor or attic-mounted VHF/UHF antenna to receive the 1080i (or 4K via NextGen TV) broadcast directly for free.
• For convenience: Stick with Xfinity Channel 13/713 or DirecTV/DISH Channel 13.
• For cord-cutters: Subscribe to YouTube TV or Paramount+ with SHOWTIME for reliable live access on mobile devices and smart TVs.

If you are new to the area, start by scanning for over-the-air channels; the height of the Sandia Crest transmitters makes Albuquerque one of the better cities in the Southwest for free broadcast reception.