The station began broadcasting in May 1963 and held the call sign WEFA.[1][3] In 1980, the station's call sign was changed to WXLC, which stands for "Across Lake County".[3][4] The X illustrates "across." Its tower is clearly visible on Route 120, east of US 41. WXLC was also used on US Cable Channel Guide, Lake County's only original Electronic Prevue Guide.[5]
Many Chicago area radio personalities and other DJs nationwide can trace their careers back to WXLC at one time or another. Nick Farella (1948–2005) was a Chicago broadcaster (WMAQ) as well as a longtime Program Director at the station.
For many years, WXLC was known as "Hot 102.3 FM."[4]
On March 20, 2023, WXLC rebranded as "Star 102.3", matching the branding used by Alpha Media's two other hot AC stations in suburban Chicago (WSSR and WZSR).[9]
On May 24, 2024, WXLC flipped to a simulcast of country-formatted sister station WCCQ in Joliet.[10]