[10] WHXQ swapped formats and call signs with WBQW (106.3 FM, now the current WHXR) on October 6, 2008, and began to carry WBACH's classical music programming (which had originated on WBQQ in 1991; concurrent with the WHXQ/WBQW swap, WBQQ became a simulcast of WTHT).

Prior to the conclusion of the auction, the Maine Public Broadcasting Network expressed interest in running the WBACH stations.

[13][14][15] Mainestream Media dropped WBACH's programming at 5 p.m. on September 13, 2012,[16][17] and began stunting with Christmas music, making the claim of being the first station to switch to Christmas music in 2012, and promoting the "104 Days Of Christmas", saying they would give Portland special "gifts" through the holidays, with the first to come the following day at 5 p.m..[18] At that time, the station adopted its permanent rhythmic top 40 format, branded as "Hot 104.7".

[3][19][20] On October 1, WBQW's call letters were changed to WHTP, fitting the "Hot" branding.

In February 2013, WHTP was added to Mediabase's Rhythmic panel, reflecting its choice of musical direction.