no opt-outs on the schedule with all stations taking the network at all times, except for local news, traffic and advertising.

[3] The first use of the Q brand in Northern Ireland came with the launch of Q97.2 from Coleraine, County Londonderry, on 26 January 2000.

In 2015, Q Radio acquired Citybeat in Belfast from CN Group, marking its entry into that market.

In 2017, "QHQ", the network's main studios, were opened in Belfast's Fountain Centre.

[9] A series of licence extensions in 2018 brought Q Radio additional coverage in Northern Ireland, including transmitters covering Larne, Newcastle, Draperstown, Enniskillen and Ballycastle.