Editing National Lampoon (magazine) (section)

=== National Lampoon Inc. ===
{{main|National Lampoon, Inc.}}
In 2002, the use of the Lampoon brand name and the rights to republish old material were sold<ref name=LATimes-2001>{{cite news|title=Chief of J2 Communications to Resign, Sell His Shares|url=http://articles.latimes.com/keyword/j2-communications |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208101043/http://articles.latimes.com/keyword/j2-communications|archive-date=Dec 8, 2015|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date= March 7, 2001|agency=[[Bloomberg News]]}}</ref> to a group of investors headed by [[Dan Laikin]] and [[Paul Skjodt]]. They formed a new, and otherwise unrelated, company called [[National Lampoon, Inc.]] Jimirro stayed on as CEO, serving until 2005.<ref name=VanityFair2022>{{Cite magazine |last=Wallace |first=Benjamin |date=2017-05-01 |title=Can Anyone Repair National Lampoon's Devastated Brand? |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/05/can-anyone-repair-national-lampoon |access-date=2022-07-11 |magazine=Vanity Fair |language=en-US}}</ref> 

Laikin aimed to revive the brand's heyday spirit, engaging original contributors like [[Matty Simmons]] and [[Chris Miller (writer)|Chris Miller]]. The company expanded, acquiring [[Burly Bear Network]] and initiating original programming. However, financial losses persisted, reaching millions annually. Amid chaotic office scenes, Laikin's inclusive hiring fostered camaraderie but struggled to attract top talent. Despite efforts to stabilize and relocate to Hollywood, financial woes persisted. Laikin stepped down in 2008, replaced by investor [[Tim Durham]], who faced scrutiny for lavish spending and questionable tactics. Scandals plagued leadership, including Laikin's stock manipulation scheme and Durham's Ponzi scheme involvement. Legal battles ensued, culminating in first Laikin and then Durham's imprisonment.<ref name=VanityFair2022 />

In 2012, Alan Donnes took over and revitalized the company, distancing it from controversies.<ref name=VanityFair2022 />