In 1967, R. Emmett Tyrrell, Jr. and friends started a newsprint tabloid called The Alternative, on the campus of Indiana University in response to the influence of Students for a Democratic Society. In 1977, it became The American Spectator, and by 1985, had expanded its offices to Washington, DC where it quickly broadened its national subscriber base.

In 2003, under the direction of seasoned book publisher, Alfred S. Regnery, the magazine underwent a design facelift, marking a new era with a fresh, new look. The American Spectator continues to deliver monthly commentary and analysis its readers crave.

The web presence was also overhauled (www.spectator.org), providing timely content separate and distinct from the magazine. Spectator.org not only offers daily, intellegent reporting, but also features AmSpec Digital, AmSpec Blog and the biweekly On the Prowl e-Newsletter.

Published continuously for nearly 40 years, The American Spectator continues to set the standard for conservative journalism. Sparring toe-to-toe with generations of political leaders and thinkers, the Spectator remains truly valuable and adventurous in thought.