All About Global Tetrahedron: New Owners Of 'The Onion'

G/O Media disclosed on Thursday the sale of The Onion, a renowned satirical news outlet, to a consortium of digital media professionals. Jim Spanfeller, the CEO of G/O Media, communicated via email to the company's staff, affirming an extensive review of their portfolio aimed at focusing on leading sites in terms of audience and revenue.

He disclosed the sale to "a new Chicago-based entity named Global Tetrahedron."

Originating in 1988 as a weekly satirical newspaper in Wisconsin before transitioning to an online platform, The Onion is celebrated for its satirical take on contemporary events. Notably, it has recurrently featured a headline post-mass shootings: “‘No Way to Prevent This,’ Says Only Nation Where This Regularly Happens.”

Spanfeller's email stated, “This company is comprised of four digital media veterans with a deep appreciation for The Onion and comedy-based content." He emphasized the retention of The Onion's entire staff in Chicago, a condition integral to the deal.

Global Tetrahedron, a nod to a fictional entity in The Onion's book "Our Dumb Century," is owned by Jeff Lawson, co-founder and former CEO of Twilio, with Ben Collins, formerly of NBC News, serving as CEO.

Lawson stated that he had always wanted to own The Onion and that satire and comedy are essential in today's society. Collins stressed the audience's long-standing bond with The Onion and their dedication to maintaining its core values.

The recently appointed owners have stated their goals to improve the online experience for users and expand into the multimedia content space, all the while preserving the editorial processes of The Onion.

When meeting with the editorial staff of The Onion on Thursday in Chicago, Messrs. Lawson and Collins declined to provide the transaction's financial specifics. According to two people with knowledge of the deal, Noah Shachtman, the former top editor of Rolling Stone, has served as an advisor to the project.

"The Onion holds a significant stature as an institution," stated Lawson, further asserting, "It merits preservation and the pursuit of excellence."

Noah Shachtman, the former editor in chief of Rolling Stone, has advised on the project, according to two people with knowledge of the deal.

“The Onion is just an institution,” Lawson said, adding: “It should be preserved and it should be great.”

The sale of The Onion marks the latest divestiture by G/O Media, which retains notable internet brands such as Gizmodo, The Root, and Quartz. G/O Media was established in 2019 by private equity firm Great Hill Partners following the acquisition of a portfolio of websites previously under Gawker Media.