In March 2001, WZNE would evolve to its current alternative rock format. In 2006, the station began airing the syndicated Rover's Morning Glory, which it would carry until 2020 when the show moved to WAIO.[4] WZNE then began carrying the syndicated Jubal Show in November 2020, but dropped it in 2023 in favor of a local morning show.[5][6]
When Entercom Communications closed on its purchase of WZNE and its cluster of sister stations from CBS on November 30, 2007, the company ended up with eight FM radio stations in Rochester, which was three stations over the FCC-mandated single-market ownership limit of five FM radio stations in a medium-to-large radio market. As a result, Entercom put WZNE, along with WFKL and WRMM-FM, back on the market. In early May 2008, the Stephens Media Group of Tulsa, Oklahoma agreed to purchase the three stations, subject to FCC regulatory approval. Shortly after the acquisition was announced, Stephens took over the operation of the three stations through a time-brokerage agreement. The deal closed on July 14, 2008.
Bonzai
Bonzai was the Zone's Annual summer festival Show. The show started in 2009 at The Riverside Festival Grounds in downtown Rochester, where it stayed for two years. In 2011, the show moved to the larger venue of the Monroe County Fairgrounds. In 2012 it was held at the Highland Bowl. In 2013, it was held at the Main Street Armory, with two stages, one indoors and one outside. In 2014, it was held at Sahlen's Stadium. In 2015, it was moved back to the Main Street Armory. For unknown reasons, Bonzai was discontinued after 2015.