WKQW remains Venango County's only locally operated, programmed, and managed full-service radio station.

WKQW was founded in 1982 by local broadcaster and engineer Stephen M. Olszowka, but did not go on the air until December 1987.

For most of its early years, WKQW operated out of an office at 234 Elm Street in Oil City.

In November 2018, the radio station, along with WKQW-FM, was sold to Robert Lowe, owner of Twilight Broadcasting, Inc.

WKQW maintains its studio and office presence and staff at 806C Grandview Road in Oil City.