The Metro Radio Group itself was bought out by EMAP in 1996 and ownership rules at the time meant that as they already owned neighbouring Radio Aire in Leeds something had to be sold on, and that was The Pulse and its sister station Classic Gold which were purchased in a management buyout from senior staff and ex-Metro Group executives.

On 8 February 2019, Pulse 1 and the Wireless Group's network of local radio stations were sold to Bauer.

[2] In May 2020, Bauer announced that Pulse 1 would join the Hits Radio network, while retaining its on-air branding.

[5] In September 2020, Pulse 1 began broadcasting to the eastern part of West Yorkshire on DAB following the closure of sister station Radio Aire.

This signal covers most of West Yorkshire, including eastern areas of the county such as Leeds, Wakefield, Castleford, Pontefract and Knottingley.

[4] Local programming is produced and broadcast from Bauer's Leeds studios each weekday from 6–10 am for The Hits Radio Breakfast Show With Mylo & Rosie.

Pulse 1 aired extensive local sports coverage, including live match commentaries on Bradford City matches, led by Jason Thornton and former City striker Ian Ormondroyd, and a weekly rugby league magazine show, presented by Bradford Bulls CEO Robbie Hunter Paul.