The station airs a Classic hits format, and is currently owned by Dierking Communications, Inc.[2] KQNK was originally licensed on 6 April 1964 as KNBI.

In 1973, Tim Adrian, AG director of KNBI asked to be considered as the replacement for Earl Butz as agriculture secretary, who had recently resigned.

[6] In 1978, the license returned to Norton Broadcasting Inc. and the call sign was changed to the current KQNK.

By 1980, the license was controlled by Pioneer Country Broadcasting, Inc. who operated the radio station for about 20 years.

In 1973, KNBI was awarded an honor certificate from the Freedoms Foundation for producing a 15-minute broadcast talking to people about why they are proud of Norton.