Broadcasting with an effective radiated power of 25,000 watts,[2] its signal covers much of the Research Triangle and outlying areas.

The primary weekday format is indie rock, with specialty shows and other music genres featured during the evenings and weekends.

The "Local Lunch" airs weekdays from 12 to 1 p.m. on HD-1 and from 1 to 2 p.m., during which only North Carolina artists are played.

Like many non-commercial stations, WKNC airs specialty shows including Geet Bazaar (South Asian music from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and others) and Both Kinds Radio (classic country and western swing).

The two-night concert series bring in North Carolina based bands in order to raise additional funds for the station.