In December 2012, Greater Media registered several web domains for WTKK, pointing that the future of the news/talk format was in serious doubt due to low ratings (in its last book as a talk station, WTKK had a 1.9 share of the market in the Boston Arbitron radio market ratings). Many of the domains included the word "Beat", pointing to an urban contemporary, rhythmic CHR, or rhythmic AC format. If this were to occur, this would have marked a return for either the Rhythmic AC format (which was last heard in 2005, when WQSX flipped to adult hits) or the urban format (which was last carried on a Boston station in 2006, when the former WILD-FM flipped to a simulcast of WAAF) in the market; in either case, this would have caused the station to compete against long-dominant WJMN. Other domains pointed to possible adult hits, oldies, all-news, sports talk, active rock, dance music, adult contemporary, classic rock, mainstream rock, alternative rock, adult album alternative, or CHR formats. Further fueling the rumors of a format flip, on December 17, 2012, morning host Doug Meehan left to pursue a television opportunity in Arizona, while afternoon host Michael Graham left when his contract was not renewed. In addition, weekend hosts were told the last weekend of 2012 that their shows would not continue in the new year.