New Delhi: Satire and comedy publication The Onion is making a surprising comeback to print, a format it abandoned over a decade ago. The new monthly print edition will be delivered to all online subscribers, who currently pay $5 a month. The publication is offering introductory subscriptions for approximately $60 per year.
This move marks a return to The Onion’s roots as a campus weekly in the late 1980s. According to The New York Times, the print edition is part of a broader strategy to enhance the subscriber experience. Ben Collins, CEO of The Onion’s parent company, Global Tetrahedron, has outlined additional perks, including exclusive invitations to live events, access to the publication’s physical archives, and sponsorship opportunities for editorial projects.
Despite offering these premium benefits, The Onion has emphasized that its website will remain freely accessible to all readers. “While America’s Finest Membership offers various additive benefits, The Onion website will remain freely available to every callous reader who refuses to surrender their credit card information,” the website’s subscription page states.
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Collins, a former NBC News disinformation reporter, has announced plans to distribute print editions at the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago. He is optimistic about the publication’s financial future, aiming to achieve profitability later this year with the help of subscription revenue and additional income streams.
The Onion is also undergoing changes in its advertising strategy. The publication has ceased running digital ads from Taboola and has significantly reduced its reliance on traditional advertising. The new print edition features primarily satirical advertisements, with a few genuine promotions for The Onion itself.
Known for its clever headlines, witty jokes, and sharp commentary on current events, culture, and politics, The Onion has experienced a tumultuous ownership history. Acquired by tech company Global Tetrahedron from G/O Media in April 2024, this marked the third ownership change in a decade. Previous owners include Univision. During this period, the publication faced challenges including layoffs, contract disputes, and the sale of its sister site, The A.V. Club.
As The Onion embarks on this new chapter, industry observers will be watching closely to see if the publication can successfully navigate the evolving media landscape and achieve its financial goals.
