Onion Editor Joe Randazzo Reveals How to Write Concise, Funny Headlines That Avoid Rambling or Falli

TL;DR

Crafting headlines and jokes at The Onion requires practice, teamwork, and creativity.

Transcript

uh everything you know comes from the headlines um and it takes a lot of practice to kind of know which headline first of all which headline works in the context of the onion sometimes there are headlines that come in um that are very funny but they just for some reason wouldn't work they wouldn't they wouldn't feel right um and then after you can ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🃏 Crafting headlines at The Onion requires practice to identify jokes with substance for full stories.
• 😤 The selection process involves a team of writers and contributors submitting and voting on headlines.
• 🃏 Brainstorming sessions are crucial for developing jokes into well-crafted stories.
• ⌛ The Onion occasionally responds to real-time events by adapting and releasing content quickly.
• 😒 The organization uses social media to reach a wider audience and engage with inquiries.
• 🃏 The process of turning jokes into stories involves exploring perspectives and creating characters.
• 📰 Satirical news outlets like The Onion play a unique role in mimicking and commenting on real news.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do writers at The Onion determine which headlines have enough substance for a full story?

Writers at The Onion rely on practice and experience to identify headlines that offer enough depth and humor to sustain a full story. They consider factors like the joke's target, its potential for quotes, and the overall idea behind it.

Q: What happens during the Tuesday meeting at The Onion?

The Tuesday meeting at The Onion is a crucial brainstorming session where selected headlines are developed into full stories. Writers discuss the jokes, perspectives, and potential quotes to ensure each story is well-crafted and funny.

Q: How did The Onion respond to Lou Dobbs leaving CNN?

When Lou Dobbs left CNN, The Onion had to quickly adapt a joke about him. They edited the content, used social media to reach audiences rapidly, and even received inquiries about their approach to news, despite being a satire outlet.

Q: How does The Onion mimic real news organizations in their content delivery?

The Onion imitates real news organizations by responding quickly to current events like Lou Dobbs leaving CNN. They use social media to reach audiences fast, adapt content for breaking news, and engage with inquiries from media writers.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Crafting headlines at The Onion requires practice to determine which ones have enough substance for a full story.

• A team of writers and contributors submit headlines that are then selected and developed into full stories during brainstorming sessions.

• The process involves examining jokes, creating perspectives, and occasionally responding to real-time events.