Christine Wenc uncovers the history of The Onion's satire

In the United States, the release of Christine Wenc's book about The Onion marks an important exploration of modern American news satire. Published on March 16, 2025, this work serves not only as a history of the publication but also as an examination of its impact on media and satire. Wenc, a former copy editor at The Onion, takes a unique approach by providing a prose history that includes various perspectives and insights from individuals involved with the publication. By doing so, she aims to create a discourse on the role of satire in the landscape of American journalism. The book titled, "Funny Because It's True," delves into the origins of The Onion, which was initially created as a humorous response to mainstream media. The Onion’s founders, who enjoyed onion sandwiches, chose the name as a reflection of both the layered complexity of their satire and the often pungent nature of the content, which aimed to critique rather than solely entertain. Its signature style involves presenting articles in a straightforward, news-like manner, often leading to an amusingly absurd punchline. Wenc's narrative also expands beyond The Onion's articles, bringing in discussions of societal themes such as corporate capitalism, investigative reporting's decline, and environmental advocacy. This broad scope allows readers to appreciate the relevance of humor and satire in addressing serious contemporary issues, showing how The Onion has made a significant mark on American media culture. Additionally, she uses various excerpts, financial breakdowns, and even a verse from an essay contest to illustrate The Onion's diversity and audience engagement. Ultimately, Wenc comprehensively illustrates the cultural significance of The Onion while prompting readers to reconsider the role that satire plays in the news context. This reflection leads to a deeper understanding of media consumption in the digital age, highlighting the need for thoughtful, critical perspectives amidst the overwhelming volume of information available today.