The Gullible Media

Perhaps this is more relevant today than ever before. On April 1, 1983, Joseph Boskin, a history professor at Boston University, was pressured into explaining the history of April Fools. After unsuccessfully trying to explain that the history is uncertain, the reporter kept pushing for more. Joseph decided to just make up a story on the spot (basically that it started with court jesters in ancient Rome). The media believed the story, and for several days, they published it non-stop. Needless to say, the truth eventually emerged, and the AP was left somewhat embarrassed.