The Spoof That Spread: Microsoft's Fake News Story Floods the Internet

Strategic Insights -

A spoof story about Microsoft acquiring the Catholic Church spread like wildfire on the internet in December, tricking many into believing it was real. The story, which claimed that Pope John Paul II would become the senior vice president of Microsoft's Religious Software Division, was initially attributed to an Associated Press news wire. It was copied and passed on to friends, electronic mailing lists, and discussion groups on various computer networks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The spoof story claimed that Microsoft would acquire the Roman Catholic Church in exchange for an unspecified number of shares of Microsoft common stock.
  • The story was attributed to an Associated Press news wire and was initially believed to be true by many.
  • Microsoft issued a clarification denying the story, followed by a clarification from the Associated Press stating that they did not originate or distribute the wire story.
  • The fake news story reached talk show host Rush Limbaugh, who read it on his nationally syndicated television program.
  • The Roman Catholic Church in Washington joined in on the joke by issuing an official news release expressing disappointment at Microsoft's denial of the acquisition bid.
  • The church's release included humorous suggestions for why a church-Microsoft deal might have been mutually beneficial, including introducing "Father-on-line" and using laptops at church bazaars.

Statistics:

  • The spoof story appeared on the internet in December.
  • The story was copied and passed on to friends, electronic mailing lists, and discussion groups on various computer networks within hours.
  • Microsoft issued a clarification denying the story, which was followed by a clarification from the Associated Press.
  • The fake news story reached talk show host Rush Limbaugh.
  • The Roman Catholic Church in Washington issued a humorous news release in response to Microsoft's denial.

Sources:

  • New York Times, "A Spoof Story That Became a Viral Sensation"
  • Associated Press
  • American Broadcasting Company (ABC)