April Fool’s Day: 5 major pranks from big brands

The practice of issuing bogus press releases on Apr. 1 is so widespread that PR Newswire is refusing to push distribute them.

“Each year, numerous ‘prank’ press releases are submitted,” the company said in a blog post. “And each year, after enjoying a laugh while reading them (some are really funny!) we have to say no to sending them out over the wire.

“The fact is, the repercussions of distributing a false news announcement are far reaching and lasting, and can ultimately tarnish a public relations pro’s relationships with journalists and bloggers, and negatively impact brand reputations.”

Despite PR Newswire’s decision, a number of brands will likely attempt hoaxes. In honor of their attempts, here are five famous April Fool’s Day pranks from brands:

Burger King unveils a Left-Handed Whopper.

An ad appeared in USA Today on Apr. 1, 1998, announcing Burger King’s latest creation, the Left-Handed Whopper. A press release said the burger will contain the same ingredients, but that it was redesigned to “fit more comfortably in the left hand.”