War of the Worlds - in Belgium

United States
December 15, 2006 7:30am CST
Did anyone see this... http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061214/ap_on_re_eu/belgium_independence_hoax Apparently a news agency interrupted regular broadcasting to announce that Belgium was undergoing a little bit of a revolution, with one 1/2 the population declaring independence and the royal family fleeing the country. They didn't announce that it was a hoax until 30 minutes into the show. People starting getting all concerned. Ambassadors from other countries believed it. Now the government is a little pissed. Anyways, it reminded me of the War of the Worlds radio broadcast done by CBS in 1938. Read more about it here... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_War_of_the_Worlds_(radio) What are your thoughts on this new event and the old radio broadcast? TV people just pulling a harmless prank? Or should it be viewed the same as shouting fire in a crowded theater? I myself find it very funny, but a little irresponsible considering the fact that there actually is some tension between the two groups in Belgium and previous talks of one group getting autonomy/self-rule.
1 response
• United States
15 Dec 06
I agree that it's a bit funny but that bad judgement was used. To let it go on for 30 minutes? That seems a bit much to me.