How The Onion is saving itself from the digital media death spiral
Aug 22, 2024
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Ben Collins, CEO of The Onion, and Danielle Strle, chief product officer, share insights on revitalizing the iconic satirical platform. They discuss the challenges faced by media in the digital age and their strategic plan to return to print in 2024. The duo highlights a new membership model and innovative revenue streams while maintaining content integrity. They explore humor's role in engaging younger audiences and the logistics of newspaper printing, underscoring the significance of satire in today's political landscape.
The Onion's leadership is revamping the publication after a tumultuous ownership history, focusing on maintaining its integrity and humor.
The executives aim to create a sustainable business model prioritizing reader engagement through subscriptions while keeping content accessible online.
In a unique approach for 2024, The Onion reintroduced its print edition to connect with audiences personally and evoke nostalgia.
Deep dives
The Rise of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)
Autonomous vehicles are gaining traction among the public as educational initiatives about their technology and capabilities increase interest. Studies reveal that as people learn more about companies like Waymo, their preference for AVs over human-driven vehicles nearly doubles. Safety statistics underscore AV reliability, with Waymo reporting zero injury claims and significantly fewer property damage claims compared to traditional drivers. Interestingly, demographics such as LGBTQIA and non-binary individuals displayed heightened interest in AVs, while women also showed an increased inclination once educated on the technology.
The Onion's Turbulent Journey
The Onion, a well-established satire publication, experienced substantial upheaval in the 2010s, marked by changes in ownership and strategic direction. Initially acquired by Univision, it later became a part of Gizmodo Media Group, which faced its own challenges leading to the eventual sale of various assets. This turbulent background set the stage for the current leadership, who took charge after a brief but transformative period of negotiations spearheaded by individuals passionate about maintaining the integrity of The Onion. The new executives aim to revive the platform while navigating the complexities of a modern media landscape.
Revamping the Business Model
The current leadership team at The Onion is committed to establishing a sustainable business model that prioritizes reader engagement over traditional revenue streams. Drawing inspiration from successful subscription-based entities, they intend to focus on member contributions while keeping content freely accessible online. The team is exploring diverse revenue channels and is open to integrating advertising, but they are determined to avoid compromising user experience. By fostering a community of loyal subscribers and fans, the executives hope to create a viable financial model that honors the publication's legacy.
The Decision to Relaunch Print Edition
In a surprising move for 2024, The Onion reintroduced its print edition, reflecting a commitment to physical media in an increasingly digital world. The decision was driven by nostalgia and the desire to connect with readers on a more personal level, as the print medium allows for tactile engagement with the content. Utilizing local printing resources and partnerships, the team has efficiently managed the logistics of producing a tangible product that resonates with audiences. The response to the initial distribution, particularly during significant events like the DNC, highlights a strong demand for humor in a physical format.
Navigating the Current Political Landscape
Navigating the politically charged environment of contemporary media, The Onion maintains its role as a satire outlet by embracing its long-held mission to challenge all forms of power through humor. Leaders emphasize the publication's commitment to producing content that reflects a baseline of humanity and empathy, ensuring that satire remains relevant and grounded. They acknowledge the complexities of addressing political satire amid the rising tensions of the era, understanding that humor can serve as a crucial commentary on current events. With a focus on authenticity and cultural commentary, they believe that the publication can navigate and even thrive in the tumultuous political climate.
The Onion is a comedy institution — and like everything else in media, it went on a pure nightmare hell ride in the 2010s. We could do an entire episode on the G/O Media calamity, but the short version is: A bunch of friends just managed to buy The Onion, and they're busy relaunching the website, going back to print, and, clearly, having a blast doing it. CEO Ben Collins and chief product officer Danielle Strle joined me to explain how that even works in 2024.