WHOOPS: AP Falls For Hoax Press Release Saying That GE Will Repay Government $3.2 Billion Tax Break

[Newsjock]

Source: Business Insider

The AP just fell for a hoax press release, which claimed that GE would repay the government the $3.8 billion tax loss carryforward it received. The hoax was designed to correspond with last month's controversy originated by the New York Times about how GE, despite its huge profits, was paying no taxes.

The fake press release titled GE Responds to Public Outcry – Will Donate Entire $3.2 Billion Tax Refund to Help Offset Cuts and Save American Jobs was posted at a site called http://www.genewscenters.com/. (Website already shut down as of 11am ET.)

The AP then ran this:

Facing criticism over the amount of taxes it pays, General Electric announced it will repay its entire $3.2 billion tax refund to the US Treasury on April 18.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/ge-press-release-hoax-2011-4

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Date: 4/13/2011 10:21 AM Kill - BC-US--GE Tax Refund,KILL/46
Eds: BULLETIN KILL. Do NOT use BC-US--GE Tax Refund. A kill is mandatory. The story was based on a press release that GE says was a hoax.
STORY REMOVED: BC-US--GE Tax Refund
The Associated Press has withdrawn its story about General Electric repaying its entire $3.2 billion tax refund to the US Treasury on April 18. The story was based on a press release that GE says was a hoax. The AP

[SpiralHawk]

1. Ayy, Carumba. AP (R) is too damn lazy to pick up a phone and check?

There's your freaking Republicon Family Pharisee Work Ethic for you.

AP (R) goes AWOL (R) on basic journalism 101.

[originalpckelly]

2. It just shows you how they basically parrot the press releases.

There's no real reporting going on, and it shows. They're basically a big ass corporate mouthpiece.

[deutsey]

3. Was this the Yes Men's handiwork? n/t

[deutsey]

4. Apparently so

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4812387

[Ernesto]

5. k&r! & THANKS..... nt