Illustration of The Onion's acquisition of Infowars, showcasing a blend of satire and parody.

The Onion Acquires Infowars: A Satirical Take on Conspiracy Theories

The Onion Acquires Infowars in Satirical Move

The Onion, known for its satirical takes on current events, has made a bold acquisition by purchasing Infowars, the controversial website run by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, during a bankruptcy auction. This unexpected move has generated significant buzz in media and political circles.

A Shift from Disinformation to Humor

In an official press release shared on the platform X, The Onion announced that it aims to overhaul Infowars by replacing its notorious spread of disinformation—especially regarding the Sandy Hook tragedy—with its brand of humor. The relaunch, set for January 2025, will mark a new era for the website that has been steeped in controversy.

Support from Sandy Hook Families

The acquisition comes with backing from families affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Infowars and Jones had faced significant backlash and legal consequences for perpetuating false narratives about the shooting, resulting in a legal order that cost him over $1 billion in damages.

Infowars' Bankruptcy Struggles

After filing for bankruptcy in 2022, Jones stated in a video that his company's shutdown came swiftly. "I just got word 15 minutes ago that my lawyers and folks met with the US Trustee over our bankruptcy this morning, and they said they’re shutting us down even without a court order," he commented, highlighting the dramatic turn of events.

New Beginnings for Infowars

While the financial details of the acquisition remain under wraps, The Onion has disclosed plans for Infowars' future. The company secured a multi-year advertising deal with advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety, signaling a shift in purpose for the site.

A Comedic Transformation in the Works

Ben Collins, CEO of The Onion, expressed enthusiasm about transforming Infowars into what he describes as "a very funny, very stupid website". With collaborative efforts featuring veterans from The Onion and Clickhole, readers can anticipate a comedic makeover that diverges significantly from its original content.

Conclusion

This acquisition marks a pivotal point in the landscape of online media, blending satire with significant social commentary. As The Onion gears up for this transformation, it will be interesting to see how the audiences respond and the implications it holds for the broader dialogue surrounding disinformation and media consumption.

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