Onion CEO Ben Collins: Betting Big on Print and Infowars

In a bold move that goes against the grain, Ben Collins revived The Onion's print edition just months after assuming the role of CEO. While many have turned their backs on physical newspapers due to declining readership and ad revenue, Collins has always been a fan of the satirical paper and disagrees with this sentiment.

The return of The Onion's print version was embraced by readers, celebrating its unique brand of humor in a cohesive broadsheet format. An article from the revived edition humorously declared, “I Was Honored to Die So the Print Edition of ‘The Onion’ Could Live,” penned by the fictitious “A. Tree.”

Collins disclosed that while he won't reveal exact subscriber numbers, they suffice to keep their team vibrant and operational. Shortly after our conversation, The Wall Street Journal reported The Onion had amassed over 53,000 paid subscribers. Collins discussed his ambitions, the newspaper's future, and his personal challenges.

A Bold Vision for Journalism

Collins aims to preserve The Onion as a bastion of truth and humor against the prevailing culture of submission to power. He believes in straightforward, fearless storytelling, which he feels is lacking in traditional journalism today. The Onion, known for its biting satire, now strives to cement its role as a cultural touchstone.

Interestingly, Collins shared his attempts to acquire Infowars, which was put up for auction following Alex Jones' legal troubles. His vision was to repurpose the platform into something uniquely Onion-esque, though legal hurdles prevented this bid from moving forward.

Navigating Challenges and Upholding Independence

Collins spoke candidly about the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity in an era dominated by powerful interests. He recounted his experiences in mainstream media, where speaking against influential figures brought its own challenges. Contrasting this with his work at The Onion, he expressed relief at having the autonomy to deliver sharp, honest commentary.

The objective, as Collins posits, is to nurture a business model that values its readers and creators over profit-driven motives. The return to print is not just a nostalgic exercise but a strategic effort to build meaningful connections with an audience seeking authenticity and satire that challenges the status quo.

The Road Ahead for The Onion

Looking to the future, Collins is set on exploring new avenues for growth and engagement. This includes plans to host more ambitious, contextually adventurous projects that keep The Onion resonant. Additionally, the company is dedicated to archiving its extensive history, preserving its legacy while planning for continued innovation.

Collins shared his aspiration to expand into sports and entertainment while maintaining The Onion’s unique voice. Moreover, he intends to support other independent media ventures that encourage free expression and creativity.

A Commitment to Authenticity

In conclusion, Collins upholds a steadfast commitment to honesty in journalism, fostering a space where the art of satire can flourish unabated. With a focus on both preserving and reinventing The Onion's role in contemporary media, he anticipates a future where courageous storytelling not only thrives but is celebrated.