This year, among others, Berlingske and Ekstra Bladet have posted an April Fool's prank on the internet. Conversely, Kristeligt Dagblad has actively opted out of it. (Archive photo). Photo: Liselotte Sabroe/Ritzau Scanpix
Media shuns April fools to avoid fake news
Since 2017, fewer Danish and international media outlets have been participating in the April Fools’ Day tradition amid concerns about credibility in an era dominated by fake news, reveals Caroline Nyvang, senior researcher at The Royal Library. The April Fools’ joke is increasingly seen as outdated humor and the rise of social media makes it harder to fool people for long. Yet, in 2021, TV2, DR, Børsen, Jyllands-Posten, and Avisen Danmark confirmed they won’t partake in the practice, with Kristeligt Dagblad last participating in 2016. In contrast, companies and organizations continue to engage, using humor for marketing and to address criticism, says Nyvang.