In Good Faith With Philip DeFranco Satire Is Back With The CEO of The Onion
Nov 20, 2025
Ben Collins, CEO of The Onion and former disinformation reporter, dives into the evolving landscape of satire and media. He discusses his attempts to buy InfoWars and the challenges tied to Alex Jones' legacy. Ben critiques mainstream media's struggles while championing independent journalism's opportunity. He also shares insights on The Onion's unique writing process, its return to print, and the essence of effective satire today. The conversation highlights societal scams and the role of humor in navigating disinformation and cultural challenges.
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Short-Lived InfoWars Purchase
- Ben Collins recounts briefly owning InfoWars and the legal, harassment hurdles that followed.
- He says Alex Jones's litigation and harassment campaign made buying InfoWars uniquely fraught.
What Sparked His Reporting Beat
- Ben explains he became a disinformation reporter after covering targeted conspiracy attacks following a journalist's on-air murder.
- That reporting path stuck and shaped his career focus on conspiracies and information pipelines.
Misinformation Vs. Disinformation
- Ben defines misinformation as accidental falsehoods and disinformation as deliberate campaigns aimed at harm.
- He highlights targeted campaigns using vulnerable groups as scapegoats to influence public opinion and elections.