The Onion, the United States’ 37-year-old satirical news outlet, is proving that print still matters. Since relaunching its print edition last year, the publication has attracted more than 56,000 paying subscribers across all 50 states and dozens of countries worldwide. While the stories and advertisements are intentionally fake, the outlet’s enduring popularity demonstrates the lasting appeal of sharp, well-crafted satire.
Chad Nackers, Editor-in-Chief of The Onion, shared insights from the Chicago-based newsroom about how the return to print has reshaped editorial strategy and why the publication has deliberately avoided AI tools in its process.
“The print edition allows us to structure jokes in ways that digital platforms cannot,” Nackers said. “Online, you might see just the most controversial headline in your feed. Print lets us mix politics, entertainment, and sports in a curated format. It gives each piece context and allows the humor to play off other stories, creating a more satisfying reading experience.”
Nackers highlighted that the print format also opens opportunities for satirical ads. “In the past, print ads took up space,” he said. “Now, we use those spaces for fake ads. It lets us comment on corporations and culture in ways that aren’t headline-based. Writers enjoy the creative freedom—it’s a whole new canvas.”
The Onion’s return to print comes at a complex time in global politics and media. The outlet navigates a landscape marked by a second Trump term, ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, and the rapid rise of AI technologies. “Historically, we often tried to predict headlines,” Nackers explained. “With the current climate, particularly Trump’s unpredictability, our focus has shifted to reacting to events in real time.”
Despite the digital media era, print has offered The Onion a renewed sense of editorial control and audience engagement. Subscribers report appreciating the tactile experience, the curated flow of stories, and the playful mix of satire and commentary. For many, the print edition is not just entertainment but a collectible artifact that connects them to the brand in a tangible way.
Avoiding AI has been a conscious editorial decision. Nackers emphasized that satire requires human insight, cultural nuance, and timing—elements that algorithms cannot replicate. “AI might generate text, but it lacks the understanding to craft meaningful satire,” he said. “Our jokes need a human perspective to hit the right tone and land properly with readers.”
The Onion’s model provides lessons for mainstream media outlets grappling with declining trust and digital saturation. By blending traditional print with strong digital presence, the outlet has built a sustainable subscription base and a recognizable global brand. It shows that even in the age of viral content, audiences value thoughtful, well-constructed humor delivered consistently.
Industry observers point out that the publication’s success is tied to its commitment to editorial quality and audience experience. Print offers the opportunity for deliberate pacing, carefully curated headlines, and layered humor—elements that can be diluted in social media feeds. The Onion’s ability to maintain consistency across print and online platforms has solidified its reputation as a leading voice in satirical journalism.
Looking ahead, The Onion plans to continue balancing print and digital strategies while expanding its global reach. Nackers notes that the combination of curated print editions and online content ensures both creative freedom for writers and ongoing engagement from audiences worldwide.
The Onion print success demonstrates that satire remains relevant and resilient, even amid rapid technological change and political upheaval. By prioritizing creativity, context, and human insight, The Onion continues to prove that the power of well-crafted humor endures in any medium.
For readers, the return of the print edition provides a fresh way to engage with current events, corporate culture, and global affairs—delivered with the wit and intelligence that have defined The Onion for nearly four decades.
