Every year, TVSpy reports on stations either attempting to prank viewers or getting pranked themselves, by reporting something that’s more ridiculous than true.
Poynter has published three tips for journalists looking to avoid the April Fools’ Day egg toss. Apologies to Poynter, we traded out the word “readers” for “viewers.”
1. Slow down.
AdvertisementSlow down. Slow down. Slow down. Slow down. People are out to mess with you, perhaps more than on other days. Here are some of Craig Silverman’s tips on debunking.
2. Do not trust college publications.
Don’t do it. This is their day. They’re already at it.
3. Maybe don’t participate.
Pulling jokes on [viewers] can backfire. Do not mess with your [viewers] tomorrow. On April 3 of last year, Vincent Duffy wrote for the Radio Television Digital News Association about the perils the day provides for journalists.