The station is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to broadcast with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 100 kW.

When the FCC started to limit simulcasts of AM and FM stations in the late 1960s, WTMA-FM became WPXI in 1972, with an automated "beautiful music" format.

In 1981, WPXI dropped the urban format as the station became WSSX, with a top 40/AOR hybrid known as contemporary hit radio.

This move might be due to a changing taste in its listeners' musical choices and its decision to attract a younger demo.

The station's main competitor, Apex Broadcasting's WIHB, switched to a hip hop format in March 2010.