Ask Onix
The Onion's new bid to take on Infowars
The satirical news outlet The Onion has put forward a fresh proposal to acquire publishing rights on Infowars' platforms, aiming to use parody to counter the conspiracy theories promoted by its founder, Alex Jones. The plan, which requires judicial approval, would allow The Onion to publish content directly on Infowars' channels for an initial six-month period, with an option to extend.
Legal battles and financial fallout
Infowars faces liquidation following a series of defamation lawsuits brought by families of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims. Jones had repeatedly claimed the massacre, which killed 26 people, was a "hoax" staged with actors. In 2015, he described the tragedy as "synthetic" and "completely fake."
Though Jones later acknowledged the attack was real, courts ruled his statements were not protected under free speech laws. The legal battles culminated in a $1.5 billion judgment against him and his media company. Jones filed for bankruptcy in 2022, and a judge ordered the liquidation of his personal assets in June 2024.
Previous bid rejected, new plan unveiled
A prior attempt by The Onion to purchase Infowars outright was dismissed by a judge in late 2024. The court raised concerns about the auction process, stating it had not yielded the best possible bids. Undeterred, The Onion has now proposed a licensing arrangement instead of a full acquisition.
Under the new deal, The Onion would create parody content targeting conspiracy theorists who broadcast baseless claims. Ben Collins, The Onion's CEO, told the Associated Press that profits from the venture would go to the Sandy Hook families if the judge approves the plan. Collins described the vision as developing characters and scenarios to satirize online personalities who "stare into their camera and spout conspiracy theories or dangerous health advice."
Jones vows to resist
Jones has signaled strong opposition to the proposal. In comments to the AP, he stated he would continue broadcasting "the exact same show" and fight the licensing deal. His legal team is also appealing the liquidation ruling that threatens Infowars' future.
What happens next
The licensing agreement would initially run for six months, with the possibility of renewal. A judge will review the proposal in the coming weeks, weighing its feasibility and potential impact on the ongoing legal proceedings.
"We want to use humor to expose the absurdity of these conspiracy theories and hold their promoters accountable," Collins said.
Ben Collins, CEO of The Onion
