WXZO signed on in July 1996 with a modern rock format; although the station conducted intermittent test operations in late June with this format under the call letters WWGT, the station ultimately went with the call letters WXPS on July 5, upon formally beginning operations; the callsign reflected its "Pulse" branding. Initially licensed to Vergennes, Vermont, WXPS's signal had trouble reaching Burlington, forcing the station to apply for a translator on 97.3 FM in late 1996; after only a year, however, the station decided to drop the format, and following a brief silent period WXPS switched to sports talk. Soon afterward, WXPS leased out WEAV (960 AM) as a simulcast.