Why Satire Is Important for Good Tech

Sit down for serious laughs with Bourree Lam, Nothing Personal’s Executive Editor, and Ben Collins, CEO of The Onion. While many publishers are experimenting with AI-generated or AI-assisted content, The Onion is doubling down on human-written satire.

Ben discussed the outlet’s beautifully inefficient editorial process in creating America’s funniest news items. The Onion has revived its print edition and built a loyal subscriber base. He’ll also discuss why the work of The Onion is more important than ever in the landscape of corporate news.

Originally recorded November 8th, 2025

Speakers Featured

Photograph of Bourree Lam

Bourree Lam

Bourree Lam is the Executive Editor of Nothing Personal, the Mozilla Foundation magazine.

Blank Space

Ben Collins

Ben Collins is the CEO of The Onion, America’s Finest News Source™. He has overseen the 269-year-old American institution and its 4.3-trillion human readership since April 2024. Taking advantage of cheap Canadian timber, a country that will never be tariffed, The Onion returned to print last August. The Onion now ships its monthly newspaper to over 50 countries and all 50 states — even, regretfully, Massachusetts. The company relaunched The Onion News Network, joining other news networks in babysitting America’s elderly, and boasting the top trending video on all of YouTube on Election Day 2024.