WDCB 90.9 FM was founded as a 5,000-watt station in July 1977, and its original format was a mix of classical, educational, and news programming. Jazz programming was introduced in the early 1980s and became the primary format by the end of that decade. Since then, WDCB's format has expanded to include blues, roots rock, Americana and Celtic, plus old-time radio. While straight-ahead jazz makes up more than 75% of its music programming, WDCB also airs a variety of jazz styles including Afro-Cuban jazz, Brazilian jazz, big band jazz, "trad" jazz, and more. In recent years, some of the more eclectic and niche programming has been phased out for a stronger emphasis on jazz and blues.

Unlike most college-based stations, WDCB-FM is not student-operated, but rather very much professional in design and output. COD students, however, do work at WDCB's offices as aides for limited hours during the week.