Scott Dikkers

Scott Dikkers is a prominent figure in American comedy, recognized as the cofounder and longest-serving editor-in-chief of The Onion. Dikkers began his association with The Onion by contributing cartoons to its early issues and later purchased the satirical newspaper. He founded TheOnion.com, establishing it as the world's first humor website, and also created The AV Club.

Before his work in comedy writing and satire, Dikkers developed his skills as a cartoonist, creating the comic strip "Jim's Journal," which was syndicated to college newspapers and became known for its depiction of a passive protagonist reflecting the experiences of Millennials. Dikkers has written and directed several films, including episodes of "The Onion News Network" web series and independent features such as "Spaceman" and "Bad Meat," which featured Chevy Chase. He is also a voice actor, performing in national commercials, video games, and animated cartoons, including Saturday Night Live's TV Funhouse.

Dikkers's contributions to The Onion have received critical acclaim, earning honors such as the Peabody Award, the Thurber Prize for American Humor, and multiple Webby Awards. He was recognized by Time magazine on its list of the Top 50 Cyber Elite and has been acknowledged by Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly for his impact on comedy writing and satire. As an author, Dikkers co-wrote and edited The Onion's book "Our Dumb Century," which sold more than a million copies and debuted as a No. 1 New York Times and Amazon bestseller. "Our Dumb World" also appeared on the New York Times bestseller list.

In addition to his editorial and writing work, Dikkers is active in comedy education and entrepreneurship. He authored "How to Write Funny" and its sequels, providing guidance on humor writing. Dikkers leads the "Writing with The Onion" training center at Second City in Chicago, where his students have gone on to write for television and win Emmy Awards. He has consulted for entertainment companies including NBC, Comedy Central, and Pixar. His book "Outrageous Marketing: The Story of The Onion and How To Build a Powerful Brand with No Marketing Budget" details his approach to brand development and marketing in the comedy industry.

Dikkers has spoken about overcoming personal challenges, including a difficult upbringing marked by poverty, divorce, and bullying. He credits MAD Magazine as an early inspiration for his passion for comedy and satire. Dikkers is a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author, comedy writer, comedian, and founder of TheOnion.com. His book "The Onion Story" recounts anecdotes from the satirical newsroom, highlighting creativity, resilience, and the power of humor.