NPR's Book of the Day: Summary of "Christine Wentz's 'Funny Because It's True' Calls 'The Onion' the 'Original Fake News'"

Episode Title: Christine Wentz's 'Funny Because It's True' calls 'The Onion' "the original fake news"
Host: Andrew Limbong
Guest: Christine Wentz, Author of Funny Because It's True: How the Onion Created Modern American News Satire
Release Date: March 31, 2025

Introduction to The Onion and Christine Wentz

In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, host Andrew Limbong delves into the satirical world of The Onion with Christine Wentz, the author of Funny Because It's True. Wentz, a former member of The Onion's original staff, provides an insider's perspective on the publication's evolution and its impact on modern news satire.

"The Onion has been around for nearly 40 years now, but where did it come from? And how did it become so influential?"
— Christine Wentz [01:53]

Early Days of The Onion in Madison, Wisconsin

Christine Wentz recounts the humble beginnings of The Onion in Madison, Wisconsin. Initially a small newspaper newsletter, it served as an alternative weekly with a mix of absurdist humor and slapstick comedy, heavily influenced by the local improv scene and popular shows like David Letterman.

"In the beginning, it was really just a tiny newspaper newsletter almost in Madison, Wisconsin... supported by advertisements, and the rest was all made up pretty much."
— Christine Wentz [03:19]

Madison's affordable living conditions provided young creatives the space and freedom to experiment, fostering a unique environment that nurtured The Onion's distinctive voice.

"It was cheap to live in Madison. You could get by on a minimum wage job and still have time for projects and a social life."
— Christine Wentz [04:01]

The Onion's Unique Sense of Humor

The early Onion writers were characterized by their Gen X sensibilities, blending irony, absurdism, and multi-layered humor. This period emphasized writing concise, impactful headlines that could encapsulate entire stories in a single line, showcasing their mastery in maximizing comedic effect with minimal words.

"There weren't really [pitch meetings]. It was more loose... lots of irony and multi-layeredness."
— Christine Wentz [04:27]

"Winner didn't even know it was a pie eating contest."
— Christine Wentz [03:05]

Transition to a Political Voice

As The Onion matured, so did its content, shifting from pure absurdism to incorporating a more defined political standpoint. This transition was marked by pivotal moments where the publication chose to take a side on contentious issues, thereby infusing their satire with progressive viewpoints.

"The Onion sort of picked up the mantle of fighting Bob La Follette. Right. And became often, I think, a progressive voice."
— Christine Wentz [05:17]

This strategic move allowed The Onion to not only entertain but also engage in socio-political commentary, solidifying its role as a significant player in news satire.

The Onion's Response to 9/11: A Defining Moment

A critical moment in The Onion's history was its first issue post-9/11. The team grappled with the appropriateness of satire during a time of national tragedy. Their decision to proceed with humor provided relief and a sense of normalcy to readers, significantly elevating the publication's reputation and readership.

"They were very apprehensive about the response that it was going to get. And luckily it actually made people feel very much better."
— Christine Wentz [06:43]

This bold move not only demonstrated The Onion's commitment to its mission but also showcased the therapeutic power of humor in times of crisis.

"Their readership apparently doubled in response to that, and they got a lot of attention, for sure."
— Christine Wentz [07:20]

Modern Relevance and Satire in the Age of Misinformation

Christine Wentz draws parallels between The Onion's satirical approach and the current landscape of misinformation. She emphasizes that while both involve "fake news," their intentions starkly differ. The Onion aims to illuminate truths and provoke thought through satire, whereas malicious fake news seeks to disrupt truth and sow chaos.

"The Onion is good fake news. Right. The Onion is trying to make the world a better place."
— Christine Wentz [07:56]

Wentz advocates for the positive role satire plays in society, especially amidst the challenges posed by today's intense news cycles and the erosion of shared realities.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Christine Wentz's Funny Because It's True serves as both a historical account and a tribute to The Onion's enduring influence on American satire. Through her insightful commentary, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how The Onion navigated cultural shifts, embraced political commentary, and maintained its relevance in an ever-evolving media landscape.

"Satire wants to help. It's trying to point out what's wrong."
— Christine Wentz [08:25]

Wentz underscores the essential difference between constructive satire and destructive misinformation, highlighting the enduring significance of The Onion as a beacon of insightful and meaningful humor.

Notable Quotes:

• "The Onion is good fake news. Right. The Onion is trying to make the world a better place."
  — Christine Wentz [07:56]

• "They were very apprehensive about the response that it was going to get. And luckily it actually made people feel very much better."
  — Christine Wentz [06:43]

• "Winner didn't even know it was a pie eating contest."
  — Christine Wentz [03:05]

This episode offers a deep dive into the mechanics and philosophy behind The Onion, providing listeners with a nuanced appreciation of its role in shaping modern American satire.