WLBL is the second-oldest station in the Wisconsin Public Radio network.
It traces its history to WPAH in Waupaca, which was licensed to the Wisconsin Department of Markets, and began broadcasting on February 5, 1923.
The Department later moved its operations to Stevens Point and changed the calls to WLBL in May 1924.
In 1932, it began sharing programs with Madison's WHA—the ancestor of today's Wisconsin Public Radio network.
WLBL must power down to 70 watts at sunset, resulting in spotty coverage even in Wisconsin Rapids and missing Stevens Point altogether.