The station was licensed by the CRTC in 2001 to broadcast a rhythmic CHR/dance format known as "The Planet 89.9". The station launched on February 7, 2003 as "The New Hot 89.9" under a rhythmic contemporary format, but flipped to its current format after 105.3 Kiss FM signed on the air in 2004. Both CIHT and CHBN-FM in Edmonton share the distinction of having been shifted from rhythmic top 40 to top 40 in less than a year after their 2003 sign-ons.