The satirical news outlet The Onion is stepping into the limelight with a bold plan to take over the Infowars platforms belonging to conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who is currently facing liquidation due to over $1 billion in defamation judgements owed to the families of Sandy Hook shooting victims.
A proposal submitted to a Texas state judge on Monday seeks to grant The Onion an exclusive license to the intellectual properties of Free Speech Systems, the parent company of Infowars. This would enable The Onion to create its own content for the Infowars website and social media channels.
Ben Collins, CEO of The Onion, expressed optimism about the potential deal, expecting it to be finalized around April 30, pending approval from Judge Maya Guerra Gamble in Austin. Collins revealed that the comedic outlet has already begun hiring staff for Infowars, including Tim Heidecker, a co-creator of the popular Adult Swim shows.
The licensing agreement, lasting six months with an option to renew, aims to pay rent and operational costs for the Infowars studio, providing the Sandy Hook families with profits from the new operations. Collins commented, We’ll build this into a bigger comedy network, noting that generating humor around conspiracy theories could offer a unique angle.
Jones has vocally opposed this latest development. During his broadcast, he vowed to fight the licensing proposal while admitting that he may need to vacate the building soon. He assured his followers that he would continue his show through other platforms, maintaining his brand despite the upheaval.
The Onion's endeavor is particularly pertinent as it aligns with ongoing legal battles surrounding Jones, who was found liable for emotional distress caused to victims’ families. The long-reaching implications of these legal battles continue to unfold, with former supporters of Jones facing backlash, showcasing a complex battle over truth, misinformation, and accountability.
