[2][3] During its early years, its editorial offices were located near the University of Toronto in space rented from Campus Co-operative Residences Inc., which in the late 1960s spawned the experimental "free university" Rochdale College.

The educational philosophy of Rochdale College was influenced by this association, and by several individuals who published in This Magazine, especially Dennis Lee.

The name was shortened to simply This Magazine in 1973, and it gradually expanded its focus to include a wide variety of political, arts and cultural writing from a progressive perspective.

[3] Praised for integrating commentary and investigative reporting with in-depth arts coverage, it has been instrumental in trumpeting the new works of young Canadian writers and artists.

This Magazine has introduced the early work of some of Canada's most notable writers, critics and artists.