It were the first station to bring Christian CHR to Des Moines, and was successful in attracting listeners and receiving support through donations and advertising throughout the first decade.

This was something KZZQ struggles to do with its lower power (6,000 watts) and a transmitter located southwest of Des Moines.

Due to increased competition from Life 107 and other stations entering the market, and staff turnover, listenership continued to decline and it became apparent a change was required.

On October 6, 2010, the station announced an "upgrade" involving changing its frequency to 101.7 FM and a rebranding to Pulse 101.7.

The target date for the move to 101.7 FM was March 31, 2015, and after a delay due to weather, the tower upgrades were made on April 14.

"Pulse 101.7" also retained the same coverage pattern as that of the former 99.5 range across Des Moines and south Central Iowa.