For the history of the WLZL call sign at 99.1 FM, see WDCH-FM.
The station signed on for the first time in 1960 with the WFSI call sign. WFSI was owned by Family Radio and aired a Christian radio format.
On November 16, 2011, CBS Radio announced plans to acquire WFSI from Family Radio, with the intention of moving WLZL's Spanish Tropical format and El Zol branding from 99.1 to 107.9, with a new all-news format to be launched on 99.1.[6][7] The format change occurred on December 1, when both stations began simulcasting El Zol programming. WFSI also swapped call signs with WBGR, a Family Radio-owned AM station in Baltimore, the same day. The 99.1/107.9 simulcast ended on December 12, 2011, with the WLZL call sign moving from 99.1 to 107.9 and the new WNEW-FM call sign debuting on 99.1.
On February 19, 2013, the FCC granted CBS Radio a construction permit for WLZL to lower its ERP from 50,000 watts to 49,000 watts and to lower its HAAT from 152 meters (499 ft) to 151.1 meters (496 ft). These changes brought WLZL into compliance with current FCC rules regarding maximum ERP and HAAT for a Class B station. WLZL had been operating using facilities that exceeded these parameters as a "grandfathered" facility.[8] On May 7, 2014, the FCC granted a request by CBS Radio to change the community of license for the station from Annapolis, Maryland to College Park, Maryland, as a modification of the construction permit.[9] The reason given was to provide College Park with its first local transmission service.[10]
On February 2, 2017, CBS Radio announced it would merge with Entercom.[11] The merger was approved on November 9, 2017, and was consummated on the 17th.[12][13]