If you're sitting on your couch in the Valley of the Sun trying to find the game or catch the evening news, you just want a number. You don't need a history lesson. Most people in the Phoenix metro area—whether you're in Scottsdale, Mesa, or Glendale—know it as 12News.
Basically, the "magic number" for NBC in Phoenix is Channel 12.
But, as with everything involving modern technology, that answer changes slightly depending on if you're using an old-school antenna, a cable box from Cox, or a streaming app on your phone. Honestly, it gets a bit confusing with all the "virtual" and "digital" channel overlaps, so let's break down exactly where to find it so you don't miss the kickoff.
What Channel is NBC on in Phoenix?
For the vast majority of viewers, KPNX is Channel 12.
KPNX is the local affiliate that has carried NBC programming in Arizona for decades. If you are using an over-the-air digital antenna, you’ll find it at 12.1. If you have a basic cable package with Cox, it's usually right there on Channel 12 (or 1012 for the high-definition feed).
Finding NBC on Cable and Satellite
If you’ve paid for a subscription, the channel numbers are pretty consistent across the Phoenix market. Here is the quick list for the major providers:
- Cox Communications: Channel 12 (SD) / Channel 1012 (HD)
- DIRECTV: Channel 12
- DISH Network: Channel 12
- CenturyLink Prism: Channel 12 (SD) / Channel 1012 (HD)
KPNX actually operates out of downtown Phoenix at the Republic Media building on Van Buren Street. They’ve been around since 1953, though they went by different call signs like KTYL-TV and KTAR-TV back in the day. Nowadays, everyone just calls it "12News."
Watching NBC in Phoenix Without Cable
Maybe you finally cut the cord. Smart move, honestly. You've got two main ways to get NBC for free or via a streaming service in 2026.
The Antenna Method
This is the "old way" made new again. Because KPNX broadcasts from a massive transmitter on South Mountain, most people in the Phoenix valley get a crystal-clear signal for free.
- Plug your digital antenna into your TV.
- Run a "Channel Scan" in your TV settings.
- Look for 12.1.
The cool part? You'll also see several subchannels that KPNX hosts. You'll likely find things like Shop LC on 12.2, True Crime Network on 12.3, Quest on 12.4, and The Nest on 12.5. It's sort of a "buy one, get four free" deal.
Streaming Services
If you prefer apps over antennas, almost every major "Cable Replacement" service carries the Phoenix NBC feed.
- YouTube TV: Includes KPNX 12News in the base local package.
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes the local Phoenix NBC affiliate.
- Fubo: Great for sports fans, includes Channel 12.
- Peacock: As of 2026, if you have the Premium Plus plan, you can stream your local NBC station live through the app.
Why KPNX Matters in the Valley
KPNX isn't just a relay for national shows like Saturday Night Live or The Today Show. In Phoenix, they are a news powerhouse. They were actually the first station in Arizona to broadcast in stereo (back in '85) and the first to switch their news production to high definition in 2006.
They also have a pretty legendary history with their "Sky 12" helicopter. For years, it was used not just for traffic, but for actual search and rescue missions in the Superstition Mountains and across the desert. If you see a blue and gold chopper over I-10, that’s probably them.
Current Programming to Watch
Since it's early 2026, the lineup is looking pretty solid. If you're tuned in to Channel 12, you're likely looking for:
- 12News at 10: The local staple for evening updates.
- Sunday Night Football: Still the king of weekend TV.
- The Hunting Party: One of the newer procedural hits on the network.
- Happy’s Place: The Reba McEntire sitcom that’s been getting a lot of buzz lately.
Troubleshooting the Signal
Sometimes, even if you’re on the right channel, the signal drops. If you're using an antenna and 12.1 is glitching, it’s usually because of the "urban canyon" effect in downtown or interference from the mountains.
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Try moving your antenna to a window that faces South Mountain. That’s where the towers are. If you're in a dip or behind a big hill (like in parts of Ahwatukee), you might need an amplified antenna to pull in the signal properly.
For cable users, if Channel 12 is missing, it’s rarely a "channel change" and usually a "carriage dispute." These happen when the station owner (Tegna) and the cable company (Cox) argue over money. If that happens, you’ll usually see a big blue screen with some angry text on it. In that case, your best bet is to switch to an antenna temporarily.
Next Steps for You
- Check your hardware: If you haven't scanned for channels in a while, do it today. Digital stations frequently update their metadata, and a quick "re-scan" can sometimes find better signal quality for KPNX.
- Download the 12News app: If you're on the go in the Phoenix heat and need to know about weather or traffic, their standalone app is actually better than waiting for the broadcast.
- Verify your Peacock subscription: If you're a cord-cutter, make sure you're on the Premium Plus tier if you want the live 24/7 KPNX feed; the basic tier usually only has on-demand content.