In 1961, OSPL was established as a holding company for Cherwell newspaper and acquired the Isis brand in the late 1990s.

[3] OSPL's income comes from subscriptions and advertising; the company receives no subsidy from Oxford University.

All profits are put back into media production and into ensuring the long-term well-being of the company.

Very few major student newspapers operate in this fashion and the continued success and financial viability of OSPL pays testament to its ability to attract the most capable Oxford students as journalists and managers.

Notable journalistic/editorial contributors to Cherwell newspaper and Isis magazine are listed elsewhere.