April 1 Is Mon.: Don’t Forget FCC’s Hoax Rule
It’s that time again. If you are planning any on-air pranks on Monday for April Fools’ Day,think twice. As we do every year about this time, we need to play our role as attorneys and ruin the fun by repeating our reminder that broadcasters need to be careful with any on-air pranks, jokes or other bits prepared especially for the day.
As April 1 Nears, Remember The Hoax Rule
With April Fools’ Day falling on a Sunday this year, perhaps the potential for on-air pranks is lessened. But, then again, who knows what weekend talent may be planning? While a little fun is OK, remember that the FCC does have a rule against on-air hoaxes. While issues under this rule can arise at any time, broadcaster’s temptation to go over the line is probably highest on April 1.
Remember FCC’s Hoax Rule As April 1 Nears
With April Fools’ Day only a few days away, we need to play our role as attorneys and ruin the fun by repeating our annual reminder that broadcasters need to be careful with any on-air pranks, jokes or other bits prepared especially for the day. While a little fun is OK, remember that the FCC does have a rule against on-air hoaxes — and, while issues can arise at any time, broadcaster’s temptation to go over the line is probably highest on April 1.
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On April Fools’, Remember FCC’s Hoax Rule
It’s time for our annual April Fools’ Day warning — be careful with on air pranks prepared especially for the day. Where harm is caused, lawsuits may follow, and stations could become a target if someone is hurt as a result of a station’s broadcasts. But not only do stations need to worry about potential civil liability in a case like this, the FCC itself has a rule against on-air hoaxes — and, of any day in the year, April 1 is the day that the broadcaster is most at risk.
Local and national media, including ESPN, SI.com, CBS and USA Today, reported in recent months about one Lennay Kekua, a now-proven-to-be-fictional Stanford student whose untimely death in September inspired her boyfriend, University of Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o, to play in her honor as the team reached the NCAA football championship game. While keeping up the sports journalism tradition of creating heroes, journalists at dozens of news organizations, media critics say, fell short of their duty to check facts independently.
April Fools Gags on Air? Play It Safe
With April Fool’s Day only a few days away, we need to repeat our annual reminder that broadcasters need to be careful with any on-air pranks, jokes or other jokes prepared especially for the day. While a little fun is OK, remember that the FCC does have a rule against on-air hoaxes — and, of any day in the year, April 1 is the day that the broadcaster is most at risk.
