Scott Dikkers

Scott Dikkers
Name	Scott Dikkers
Birth date	15 October 1965
Birth place	Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.
Occupation	Writer, editor, cartoonist, comedian
Known for	Founding editor of The Onion
Alma mater	University of Wisconsin–Madison

Scott Dikkers is an American writer, editor, and cartoonist best known as the founding editor and longest-serving editor-in-chief of the satirical news publication The Onion. A pivotal figure in the development of modern media satire, he helped shape the publication's distinctive voice and editorial process during its formative years in Madison, Wisconsin. Dikkers has also authored numerous books on comedy writing and created other humor projects across various media, including webcomics, animated television, and stand-up comedy.

Early life and education

Scott Dikkers was born on October 15, 1965, in Madison, Wisconsin. He developed an early interest in cartooning and comedy, influences that would later define his professional career. He attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he studied art and began creating comic strips for the student newspaper, The Daily Cardinal. During this period, he became involved with the burgeoning alternative comedy scene in Madison, which provided the initial creative environment for what would become The Onion.

Career

Dikkers' professional career began in the late 1980s, merging his talents in illustration and writing. Before co-founding The Onion, he worked as a freelance cartoonist and contributed to various local publications. His breakthrough came with the establishment of The Onion in 1988, initially a weekly print publication in Madison. Beyond his editorial leadership at The Onion, Dikkers has pursued a diverse array of projects, including launching the webcomic Jim's Journal, writing for television and film, and performing stand-up comedy across the United States. He is also a prolific author of instructional books on comedy writing.

The Onion

Scott Dikkers co-founded The Onion in 1988 with Tim Keck and Christopher Johnson, serving as its first editor-in-chief. Under his leadership, the publication developed its signature style of deadpan satire, meticulously parodying the conventions of mainstream journalism and Associated Press wire copy. He was instrumental in establishing the collaborative "writer's room" process that defined the publication's voice during its rise from a local Madison, Wisconsin paper to a national institution. Dikkers oversaw The Onion's pivotal expansion onto the World Wide Web in 1996 and its subsequent growth into a major multimedia brand, contributing to projects like The Onion Radio News and the Onion News Network.

Other works and projects

Outside of The Onion, Dikkers has created and contributed to numerous comedy ventures. He is the creator of the long-running webcomic Jim's Journal, a minimalist strip that gained a cult following. He wrote and directed the animated television special *The Onion* Presents: The End of the World for Comedy Central. Dikkers has authored several books on humor theory and technique, including *How to Write Funny* and *The *Onion's* Great Escape*. He also founded the comedy website Funny or Die's "The Museum of Me," and has performed as a stand-up comedian at venues like The Comedy Cellar in New York City.

Personal life

Scott Dikkers maintains a relatively private personal life. He has spoken publicly about his experiences with depression and mental health, themes he has addressed in both his professional work and personal advocacy. He continues to be based in the Midwestern United States, splitting his time between writing, speaking engagements, and mentoring aspiring comedy writers. Dikkers is also an avid collector of vintage toys and pop culture memorabilia.

Awards and recognition

Throughout his career, Scott Dikkers has received significant recognition for his impact on American satire. Under his editorship, The Onion was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2009 for its coverage of the 2008 presidential election. The publication has also won multiple Webby Awards under his tenure. Dikkers personally received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Fans of Adult Cartoons and Comics organization. His book *How to Write Funny* is frequently cited in curricula for creative writing and comedy studies programs.

Category:American humorists Category:American cartoonists Category:American magazine editors Category:1965 births Category:Living people Category:Writers from Madison, Wisconsin Category:University of Wisconsin–Madison alumni