Prior to March 2012, WBFO presented a full-service mix of news and music programming that incorporated blues and jazz. WBFO's local news department had been highly recognized by the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association. WBFO was all-news during the day and featured jazz overnight. On weekends there had been a mix of syndicated talk programs (such as "Car Talk", "Only a Game" and "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!") mornings, and music programs ("The Thistle & Shamrock", "Bebop and Beyond", and "Piano Jazz") in the evenings. Locally originated blues programming was broadcast on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.