The Register
UK center, tech-focused
Background
The Register was co-founded in 1994 by Mike Magee, John Lettice, and Ross Alderson as an occasional email newsletter in London called Chip Connection; it became a daily online publication in 1998, making it one of the earliest UK internet-native tech news outlets. The site built its reputation on irreverent, skeptical reporting about the technology industry, embodied in its long-running tagline 'Biting the hand that feeds IT.' Mike Magee departed in 2001 to found rival site The Inquirer, and the outlet's tone gradually became more balanced while retaining its wit. Situation Publishing Ltd. has operated the site since its commercial development, remaining privately held without venture or private equity backing. Andrew Orlowski, a prominent and sometimes contrarian columnist and executive editor, left in May 2019 after nearly two decades, and his departure marked a subtle editorial shift toward more conventional tech journalism. Media Bias Fact Check rates The Register 'Least Biased' with a 'High' factual reporting score, reflecting its focus on verifiable enterprise technology news over political advocacy. Today it draws roughly 40 million readers worldwide — primarily IT professionals, developers, and technology decision-makers — and earns revenue through advertising and sponsored programs with major tech brands.
Sources
- The Register — Wikipedia
- The Register UK — Bias and Credibility — Media Bias/Fact Check
- Who we are | The Register
- The Register — Crunchbase
- Trump administration spoiling for fight over satellite regs • The Register
Profile compiled 2026-08-13; refreshed when ownership, funding, or the administration changes.