Here, “spiked” refers to the UK online current-affairs and commentary magazine. Founded in 2000, it publishes articles, podcasts and videos, and describes its mission as promoting freedom of speech, democracy and human endeavour. Those are the magazine’s own characterisations of its purpose and work.
What is spiked?
spiked is a UK online magazine covering current affairs and commentary. The publication says it aims not only to report on events but also to change the world. Its stated editorial outlook emphasizes freedom of speech, democracy and human endeavour. These statements describe spiked’s own position, rather than an independent assessment of its influence or political impact. spiked’s About page also describes its podcasts and videos, alongside its articles.
When was spiked founded, and where did its name come from?
spiked dates its launch to 2000. In its 2025 anniversary history, the magazine recounts that it emerged after the closure of Living Marxism (LM) following a libel case, and that Mick Hume and colleagues launched the online publication. The same history calls it the UK’s first online-only current-affairs magazine; that is spiked’s own historical claim. Read spiked’s 2025 anniversary account.
Hume, identified there as spiked’s first editor, says the name refers to the journalistic practice of “spiking” a story that will not be published: “You would stick an old paper story on a nail on the editor’s desk, meaning it’s ‘spiked’, it’s dead.” The explanation uses the newsroom sense of a rejected or killed story, rather than suggesting the magazine is about literal spikes.
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What does spiked publish?
The magazine publishes written commentary and current-affairs articles, as well as podcasts and videos. Its anniversary history also discusses columns, contributors and films. It is best understood as a publication with a stated editorial point of view, not as a neutral reference service; readers can assess its arguments and reporting by engaging with individual pieces and formats.
How is spiked funded?
spiked says most of its revenue comes directly from readers. Its support page offers a paid supporter model with benefits such as ad-free reading, bonus content and events. This is direct support for the publication, not evidence of an affiliate program. See spiked’s support options.
In a January 2026 fundraising promotion, spiked said that “Only 0.1% of regular readers currently support us.” This is a figure reported by the publisher in that promotion, not an independently audited measure of its audience or a verified ongoing support rate.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does spiked sell books or merchandise?
In 2020, spiked announced The Year The World Went Mad, a print collection of its writers’ pieces from that year. The announcement listed an original price of £14.99 plus shipping at the time. It confirms that a physical book was announced, but does not establish its present price, stock, edition, marketplace listing or affiliate eligibility. See the 2020 book announcement.
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A December 2024 fundraising page offered a limited-edition spiked-branded mug to some donors. That was a time-limited donation gift, not proof that the mug is currently available for retail purchase. See the December 2024 fundraising page.
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