description The Onion News Network Overview
The Onion News Network is a satirical news program that parodies the format and style of 24-hour cable news channels. Created by The Onion, the American satirical media organization known for its mock news articles, the show features deadpan anchors delivering absurd and fictitious news stories with the polished production values of real news broadcasts. The program extends The Onion's print tradition of news satire into video format, employing the visual language of television news to create comedy.
help The Onion News Network FAQ
When did the Onion News Network launch?
The Onion News Network was launched as an online video venture by The Onion in 2007. It expanded the brand's satirical newspaper format into deadpan video broadcasts that closely mimicked 24-hour cable news networks like CNN and Fox News. The videos were initially hosted on YouTube and their proprietary website.
Who are some of the famous fictional anchors on the Onion News Network?
The network featured a roster of fictional, deadpan anchors, most notably played by actual news anchor Suzanne Sena and actor John Cleese. These anchors delivered absurd and outlandish headlines with the absolute seriousness of real-world broadcast journalists. Their convincing performances were key to the network's satirical success.
Did the Onion News Network ever air on television?
Yes, beyond its web series format, the Onion News Network was adapted into a half-hour scripted television series that premiered on the Independent Film Channel (IFC) in 2011. The show lasted for two seasons before concluding its run in 2012. IFC was a fitting home due to its history of supporting alternative comedy.
How does the Onion News Network parody real news broadcasts?
The series strictly replicates the visual graphics, ticker headlines, and field-reporter segments used by actual 24-hour news networks. The humor relies on the juxtaposition of standard broadcast news tropes with utterly absurd, dystopian, or ridiculous subject matter. They also frequently parody the dramatic "breaking news" pacing used by modern media.
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