In a twist that seems ripped from the pages of a satire itself, The Onion has officially acquired Infowars, the controversial news outlet owned by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. This deal, made during a bankruptcy auction, promises to transform the infamous platform into a parody, aiming to counter the content that once propagated false narratives.
The Deal and its Backers
Confirmed on 14 November 2024, The Onion secured its bid with significant backing from families affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. These families have long battled Jones over his claims that the shooting, which led to the deaths of 20 children and six educators, was a hoax. With implications of accountability rising, the families of victims have welcomed The Onion’s intent to reshape the discourse surrounding gun violence.
What’s Next for Infowars?
- The Onion is expected to launch a revamped version of Infowars in January 2025.
- Everytown for Gun Safety, an anti-gun violence nonprofit, will serve as the exclusive advertiser on the new platform.
- The Onion aims to replace Infowars’ previous disinformation approach with what it terms “noticeably less hateful disinformation.”
A Shift in Content
Alex Jones’ infamous site, known for promoting misleading information and conspiracy theories, will now function as a parody, poking fun at similar internet personalities. Ben Collins, CEO of The Onion’s parent company Global Tetrahedron, remarked on the absurdity of the current media landscape, adding, “This is going to be our answer to this no-guardrails world where there are no gatekeepers and everything’s kind of insane.”
The Legal Backdrop
The purchase comes after Jones declared bankruptcy in 2022, following a court ruling obligating him to pay US$1.5 billion for defaming the Sandy Hook families. The sale of Infowars’ assets was considered necessary to compensate creditors, including those affected by Jones’ defamatory remarks.
Following the auction, Judge Christopher Lopez has raised concerns about transparency during the process. The auction was contested by First United American Companies, associated with Jones, who claimed they were not given a fair chance to match The Onion’s bid.
Looking Forward
As the new Infowars prepares to launch, the aim is to highlight the dangers of misinformation with a comedic twist—potentially redefining how satire interacts with information on the internet. Robbie Parker, a parent of a Sandy Hook victim, emphasised, “The dissolution of Alex Jones’ assets and the death of Infowars is the justice we have long awaited and fought for.”