The station, which started as WNHC-FM, has a history as a pioneer in the AOR format, with which it has closely identified since its inception in the early 1970s.
The physical location of the station has also changed as the studios are now co-located with other radio stations in Milford, Connecticut. Previously, the studios were located in Hamden and prior to that the offices and studios were on Chapel Street in New Haven. The transmitter tower is based in Hamden. The station plays a mainstream rock playlist that goes from Jimi Hendrix to Led Zeppelin to Pearl Jam to the modern era. PLR is a traditional ratings powerhouse in southern Connecticut, though it provides city-grade coverage to most of the state, including Hartford. In recent years, format changes at Hartford stations have allowed it to gain more of a statewide audience.