Meet The Onion's new and improved InfoWars

Key takeaways

The Onion is actively working to relaunch a satirical version of InfoWars with Tim Heidecker as the creative lead.
Heidecker is committed to creating humorous and provocative content that both parodies conspiracy culture and supports the victims of Sandy Hook.
Satire plays a vital role in addressing misinformation, societal fears, and political issues, especially in today's digital and polarized landscape.
Legal and technical challenges continue to delay the launch of the new InfoWars platform, but the team remains optimistic about eventual success.
Supporting the families affected by Sandy Hook and exposing the harm caused by conspiracy misinformation remains a core motivation for the project.

Summary

The Rebirth of InfoWars Through The Onion

This section covers the background of The Onion's attempt to acquire and relaunch the conspiracy-driven site InfoWars, which was previously owned by Alex Jones. The legal struggles surrounding Jones and the lawsuits from Sandy Hook victims are discussed, along with The Onion's plans to parody and eventually expand into creating a platform for comedy and satire that mimics conspiracy media. Tim Heidecker, now Creative Director, shares his excitement and approach to reimagining InfoWars as a satirical and artistic enterprise, emphasizing the importance of parody and humor in addressing complex and controversial topics.

Tim Heidecker’s Vision and Approach

Heidecker talks about his initial interest in the project, his approach to parodying Alex Jones and conspiracy culture, and his plans for the site including programming, parody shows, and social media presence. He details his work performing impressions of Jones, the physical and vocal challenges involved, and his efforts to balance satire with respect for the victims of Sandy Hook. Heidecker views the new InfoWars as a way to both entertain and provoke thought, with phases evolving from direct parody to broader comedy built on a consistent voice.

Conspiracy Culture and Satire Today

The conversation explores contemporary conspiracy theories, the platforms and personalities behind them, and the ways in which they reflect broader societal issues. Heidecker discusses his interest in internet culture, the influence of platforms like Reddit and TikTok, and the shift from old-school conspiracy figures like Alex Jones to younger, more digitally savvy creators who understand algorithms and audience engagement. He emphasizes the importance of humor, as well as the danger of misinformation, and reflects on how satire can serve as both entertainment and social critique.

Justice for Sandy Hook Families and Artistic Responsibility

Heidecker affirms his commitment to supporting the families affected by Sandy Hook, mentioning that proceeds from merchandise sales are directed to them. He underscores the importance of remembering the victims and holding perpetrators accountable. The discussion touches on the challenges of portraying such tragedies artistically, the legal limbo surrounding the acquisition of InfoWars, and the urgent need to prevent similar misinformation and harassment in the future.

The Future of The Onion’s InfoWars and Legal Developments

Tim Heidecker provides updates on the ongoing legal issues delaying the launch of the new site, which is set to be called 'theonion.info,' and the efforts to navigate court rulings and stay orders. Despite the setbacks, he expresses confidence that they will eventually gain control of the platform and launch the parody site, with plans to establish an active presence on social media and the web. The challenges of legal and technical hurdles are acknowledged, but a resilient attitude persists.

Show notes

The Onion's takeover of conspiracy show InfoWars isn't officially complete — but comedian Tim Heidecker, who's serving as creative director, won't let that stop him from building out a slate of comedy programming. Before the new InfoWars launches July 2, The Verge's Mia Sato interviews Tim about what drew him to the project, how long he can (or wants to) maintain an Alex Jones parody, and whether it's worth doing an interview with The Verge when you've already done one with Wired.