The station began broadcasting as 4QN in 1936. It was originally a relay station covering the whole of North Queensland with limited local news bulletins. Local program content increased in the 1960s and the station was also the home of regional ABC Television in Townsville, Cairns and Mount Isa.
By the 1980s local program content was broadcast for most of the day, as well as a separate regional breakfast program. 4QN was also the headquarters of the regional network.
Breakfast with Michael Clarke – 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM
Mornings with Jonathan O'Neill – 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Additionally, the station is the originating location of the Early Morning Country program between 5:00am – 6:00am weekdays hosted by Michael Clarke. It is heard on the ABC Local Radio regional network through Queensland and also on the ABC Country digital radio station.
Saturday
Saturday Breakfast with Ray Dickson – 6:00 AM to 7:45 AM
Northern Grandstand with Grant Bell – 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
When local programs are not broadcast the station relays national and statewide programming from ABC Radio Brisbane.