The station license was originally awarded to a Cape Breton group that included local investor / businessman Barry Martin, and broadcasters, Jay Bedford and Alex Morrison.

In late 2012, the CRTC approved the application by Newcap Radio to purchase the remaining 70.1% of the shares from Barry Martin.

The station began a required three week Industry Canada test period on May 15, 2008 by playing television theme songs until its official launch on June 17 of that year.

CKCH airs ten newscasts every weekday with the focus on local and regional news items.

Veteran broadcaster Don Sharpe joined the on air staff in July 2016 as the host of the afternoon drive show.