KQAL was started by faculty members Jacque Reidelberger and Brice Wilkinson and student manager, the late Bruce Hittner.

In 1980 KQAL, Winona's alternative music radio, was placed under the jurisdiction of the newly created Mass Communication Department at WSU.

In 1989, the power output was increased to 1,800 watts and the transmitter moved from the roof of the Performing Arts Center to a 400-foot tower leased from KWNO (AM) on Garvin Heights.

KQAL continued the transition to the digital era in 1998 when computer based, hard drive audio storage and automation was introduced, virtually eliminating the use of tape at the station.

In 2009 KQAL began a move from the Performing Arts Center to Phelps Hall which was extensively remodeled and new radio and TV studios were constructed.