G/O Media Acquires The Onion

G/O Media Sells The Onion to Group of Digital Media Veterans

In a surprising move, G/O Media announced on Thursday that it had sold The Onion, a beloved satirical news site, to a group of digital media veterans. The Onion, known for its hilarious parodies of current events, has been a staple in the world of satire since its inception in 1988.

The new owners, a Chicago-based firm called Global Tetrahedron, have expressed their deep love for The Onion and comedy-based content. They have promised to keep the entire staff intact and in Chicago, ensuring continuity for the iconic publication.

Global Tetrahedron is led by Jeff Lawson, co-founder of Twilio, with Ben Collins, a former senior reporter at NBC News, as the chief executive. The team also includes Leila Brillson, a former TikTok executive, and Danielle Strle, previously at Tumblr.

Mr. Lawson expressed his long-standing desire to acquire The Onion, citing the importance of satire and humor in today’s world. The new owners plan to enhance the user experience on the website and expand into multimedia while allowing the current staff to continue their great work.

The sale of The Onion is part of G/O Media’s strategy to focus on its leading sites in terms of audience and revenue. The company, formed in 2019 by Great Hill Partners, has recently sold off several other websites, including Jezebel, Lifehacker, Deadspin, and the A.V. Club.

With the new ownership in place, The Onion is poised to continue its legacy as a beloved institution of satire and humor for years to come.