The author is chief technology officer of Sprite Media.
Radio has long been a source of entertainment, storytelling and unexpected surprises — especially on April Fools’ Day. Over the years, stations have pulled off some legendary pranks that caught audiences off guard.
In 1980, the BBC famously reported that Big Ben was being converted into a digital clock, sparking international outcry before the hoax was revealed. NPR’s “Talk of the Nation” made headlines in 1992 with a fake announcement that former President Richard Nixon was running for office again. In 1998, Los Angeles-based stations KPWR (Hip Hop) and KROQ (Alternative Rock) swapped formats for the day, leaving listeners stunned and confused. And in 1991, Seattle’s KISW playfully teased audiences with a new “classical rock” format, promising “Seattle’s best mix of the 1600s, 1700s, 1800s and today.”
However, in today’s corporate-driven media landscape, radio stations often focus on staying on-brand rather than embracing the unexpected. But this year, Broadcast Software International (BSI) is shaking things up, teaming up with Sprite Media’s social media service to recapture the lighthearted spirit of classic radio pranks.
During a recent discussion on social media strategy, BSI Senior Sales Manager Marie Summers, BSI Lead Support Tech Lisa Grise, Sprite Media’s Keith Paglia and I devised a unique way to celebrate April Fools’ Day. Instead of a single on-air stunt, we decided to take the fun online — posting an absurd lineup of fictional products every hour on BSI’s social media platforms.
BSI’s Marie Summers said, “We all need some fun in life and April Fools’ Day is perfect timing to have a little extra fun!”
We’re fully aware that some people might actually believe these products exist. But we’ve aimed to make them so ridiculous that it should be pretty clear. That said, we’ll see if anyone tries to place an order!
For me, the initiative is more than just a clever social media campaign — it’s a nod to the excitement of April Fools’ Day radio pranks from my youth.
I remember listening to my local stations on Long Island and in New York City growing up. I couldn’t get enough of what might happen on April Fools’ Day. I’m glad to be part of bringing that energy back in 2025.
Everyone can join in on the fun by following BSI on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky. Stay tuned — and don’t believe everything you read on the internet!
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