The Onion, the United States’ 37-year-old satirical news outlet, is proving that print still has a place in a digital-first world. Since relaunching its print edition last year, the publication has gained over 56,000 paying subscribers across all 50 states and multiple countries. While its articles and advertisements are intentionally fictitious, the popularity of the print edition highlights the enduring appeal of sharp, well-crafted satire.
Chad Nackers, Editor-in-Chief of The Onion, shared insights from the Chicago-based newsroom on how returning to print has reshaped editorial strategy. He also explained why the outlet deliberately avoids using AI tools in its creative process.
“The print edition allows us to structure jokes in ways that digital platforms cannot,” Nackers said. “Online, readers often only see the most controversial headlines in a feed. Print lets us blend politics, entertainment, and sports in a curated format. Each story gains context, and the humor builds off surrounding pieces, creating a richer reading experience.”
Print also enables new opportunities for satirical advertising. “Previously, ads took up valuable space,” Nackers explained. “Now, we use those spaces for fake ads. This approach lets us comment on corporations and culture without relying on headlines. Writers enjoy the creative freedom—it’s an entirely new canvas.”
The timing of The Onion’s return to print is notable. The outlet operates amid a second Trump term, ongoing global conflicts, and the rapid rise of AI technologies. “We used to predict headlines,” Nackers said. “Now, given the unpredictable nature of current events, we focus on reacting in real time.”
Subscribers have responded positively, valuing the tactile experience, curated flow of stories, and the mix of satire and commentary. For many readers, the print edition is more than entertainment—it’s a collectible artifact that strengthens their connection to the brand.
A conscious decision to avoid AI has also shaped the publication’s approach. Nackers emphasized that effective satire requires human insight, cultural understanding, and timing—qualities that algorithms cannot replicate. “AI might generate text, but it can’t produce meaningful satire. Our jokes need a human touch to land correctly,” he said.
The Onion’s model offers lessons for mainstream media facing declining trust and oversaturation online. By combining traditional print with a strong digital presence, the outlet has built a sustainable subscriber base and a recognizable global brand. Even in the age of viral content, audiences continue to value thoughtful, carefully crafted humor.
Industry observers note that consistency is key to The Onion print success. Print allows for deliberate pacing, carefully curated headlines, and layered jokes that can be lost in social media feeds. Maintaining the same editorial tone across both print and online platforms has solidified The Onion’s reputation as a leading voice in satire.
Looking ahead, The Onion plans to continue balancing print and digital strategies while expanding its global reach. Nackers said the combination of curated print editions and online content ensures creative freedom for writers while keeping audiences engaged worldwide.
The Onion print success demonstrates that satire remains relevant and resilient, even amid technological disruption and political upheaval. By prioritizing creativity, context, and human insight, The Onion proves that the power of well-crafted humor endures across any medium.
For readers, the print edition offers a fresh, engaging way to explore current events, corporate culture, and global affairs—delivered with the wit and intelligence that have defined The Onion for nearly four decades.
