NPR's Book of the Day Christine Wenc's 'Funny Because It's True' calls 'The Onion' "the original fake news"
Mar 31, 2025
Explore the fascinating journey of The Onion, a pioneer in modern news satire, through its humorous origins and evolution. Christine Wenc shares insights from her time on the original staff, highlighting the quirky conditions that fueled creativity. Discover how The Onion tackled the delicate task of satirizing post-9/11 America, balancing humor and sensitivity. Wenc argues that The Onion represents 'good fake news,' redefining the role of satire in shaping media discourse and public perception.
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The Onion's Humble Beginnings
- The Onion started as a small alt-weekly newspaper in Madison, Wisconsin.
- It relied on advertisements and filled its pages with mostly fabricated content.
Madison's Influence on The Onion
- Madison, Wisconsin's affordable living costs fostered creativity.
- Young people could experiment and pursue projects due to low rent and living expenses.
Early Onion Humor
- Early Onion writers blended Gen X irony with absurdist humor, influenced by shows like David Letterman.
- This evolved into the straight AP style now associated with The Onion.
