After a limited success with its easy listening format in the early 1980s as VO Stereo, a management decision was undertaken to pursue a younger audience.

The late 1980s under the direction of manager Gary Butler and music Director Pat Murphy, the station began programming a mix of new and classic rock with great success.

Although pleased with the results, management set about to build a stronger audience that would include more female listeners.

[3] Three other separately-licensed Stingray stations in the province (CKXD-FM Gander, CKXG-FM Grand Falls-Windsor and CKXX-FM Corner Brook) also feature the K-Rock brand and format, and as of 2022 rebroadcast the content of VOCM-FM except that they insert local advertising.

VOCM-FM is one of two Canadian FM stations with a call sign beginning with the ITU prefix "VO".