The program was founded in fall 1983, primarily by Dane S. Claussen, later editor and/or publisher of various US newspapers and magazines and now Visiting Professor, School of International Journalism, Shanghai International Studies University, and Richard E. Burr, now with The Detroit News editorial pages.
In addition to its print magazine, the Commentator publishes its content on its website, where it also maintains a group-run blog frequently linked to by national news outlets.