April Fool's Day: Why News Outlets Are Increasingly Wary of Pranks

April Fool's Day, the annual celebration of pranks and lighthearted trickery on April 1st, has a history stretching back centuries. However, in an era defined by misinformation and a heightened awareness of journalistic ethics, news organizations are increasingly hesitant to participate in the day's traditional hoaxes. The rise of "fake news" and the need to maintain credibility have led many newsrooms to reconsider the potential consequences of publishing fabricated stories, even in jest.

A History of Harmless Mischief

The origins of April Fool's Day are debated, with some theories tracing it back to the 16th century and the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in France. Those who continued to celebrate the New Year on April 1st were mocked as "April fools," and the tradition of playing pranks on this day gradually evolved. Other theories link the day to ancient Roman festivals like Hilaria, where disguises and playful mockery were common.

Over the centuries, April Fool's Day has become a global phenomenon, with different countries developing their own unique customs. In Scotland, it was historically a two-day event, beginning with "hunting the gowk" (a fool) and followed by "Tailie Day," involving pranks played on people's bottoms. In France and Italy, the tradition of sticking paper fish on people's backs, known as "April Fish," remains popular.

The media has long been a participant in April Fool's Day pranks, with newspapers, TV channels, and companies publishing false stories to fool the public. One of the most famous examples is the BBC's 1957 broadcast about Swiss farmers harvesting spaghetti from trees. In 1998, Burger King announced the creation of a "left-handed Whopper," with ingredients rotated 180 degrees for left-handed customers. Thousands of people reportedly went to Burger King restaurants to request the nonexistent burger.

The Dark Side of Deception

While many April Fool's Day pranks are harmless, some have backfired, causing confusion, panic, or even legal trouble. In 1940, a spokesperson for the Franklin Institute Science Museum in Philadelphia announced the end of the world, causing widespread panic and leading to his swift firing. In 1998, two radio hosts in Boston falsely reported the death of the city's mayor in a car crash, resulting in mourning friends showing up at the mayor's sister-in-law's house. The hosts were also fired.

More recently, pranks involving fake attacks and drink spiking have landed individuals in court. In 2025, a Sydney lawyer detailed cases where April Fool's Day "jokes" resulted in serious charges and potential jail time. These incidents highlight the potential for seemingly harmless pranks to have severe consequences.

The "Fake News" Factor

The rise of "fake news" and the increasing difficulty in distinguishing truth from fiction have led many news organizations to reconsider their participation in April Fool's Day pranks. With concerns about misinformation and the erosion of public trust in the media, many outlets have chosen to abstain from publishing fabricated stories, even if intended as a joke.

Magnus Karlsson, editor-in-chief at Swedish daily Smalandsposten, stated that he doesn't want the newspaper's brand "to be spread with a potentially viral and erroneous story," emphasizing that "We work with real news. Even on April 1st."

Cardiff University's Stuart Allan told the BBC that "We are enmeshed in an era of fake news and disinformation, where matters of trust are at the forefront of editors' minds." Jim Waterson, editor of London Centric, echoed this sentiment, stating that "Publishing fake news to purposefully trick readers and then saying it's all a joke doesn't really work well when you spend the rest of the year banging on about how much trusted facts matter."

Ethical Considerations

The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of accuracy, verification, and avoiding deliberate distortion of facts. Participating in April Fool's Day pranks can be seen as a violation of these ethical principles, undermining the credibility of news organizations and further blurring the lines between fact and fiction.

Some news outlets have found creative ways to engage with April Fool's Day without compromising their journalistic integrity. NPR, for example, posted a story on Facebook with the headline "Why Doesn't America Read Anymore?" and encouraged readers to like the post without commenting on it, highlighting the tendency of some people to comment on stories they haven't actually read.

The Brand Risk

Companies and brands also face risks when participating in April Fool's Day pranks. A poorly executed or insensitive joke can damage a brand's reputation and alienate customers. In 2021, Volkswagen faced backlash for falsely announcing a name change to "Voltswagen" to highlight its commitment to electric vehicles. The Associated Press, which had reported the name change based on assurances from Volkswagen, called the company's actions "false."

Other brands have faced lawsuits and public criticism for April Fool's Day pranks that went wrong. Hooters was sued after a manager promised a "Win a Toyota" contest to employees, only to award the winner with a "Toy Yoda" action figure. Southwest Airlines faced legal action after staging a fake arrest of a new employee as an April Fool's Day prank.

A Shift in Tone

While April Fool's Day remains a popular tradition for many, the media landscape has changed significantly in recent years. The rise of misinformation, the erosion of public trust, and the increasing awareness of ethical considerations have led many news organizations to reconsider their participation in the day's traditional hoaxes.

As the world grapples with the challenges of distinguishing fact from fiction, the press is now avoiding pranks to maintain credibility and avoid contributing to the spread of false information. While some may lament the decline of lighthearted mischief, the need for accurate and reliable news has never been greater.