The Global Media Business Weekly

The Onion is up for sale again

News. America’s leading Spanish-language broadcaster Univision Communications wants to sell the Chicago-based satirical media The Onion as its private-equity owners grope for an exit. It has hired Morgan Stanley. It is also seeking to sell Gizmodo Media Group, just two years after buying all of the online media publications. After a rapid acquisition of English-speaking online properties in 2016, Univision is reversing its strategy by selling Gizmodo (formerly Gawker Media) and The Onion. Univision acquired Gawker by outbidding Ziff Davis with $135m offer. Days later, it shut down in the wake of a $115m libel action. Univision is also looking to sell its Fusion Media Group (also launched in its madcap go-English year of 2016). FMG is the company’s multi-platform, English language division dedicated to serving “young, diverse America”. Oh dear.