CNBC and The Associated Press fall for Howard Stern and Andy Cohen’s elaborate hoax about the radio icon’s departure from SiriusXM.

In a display of media manipulation, legendary radio host Howard Stern and television personality Andy Cohen executed an elaborate prank on Monday morning, successfully duping major news organizations , including CNBC and The Associated Press.

The hoax, which involved Cohen announcing that he was taking over Stern’s channel, “Andy 100,” and that Stern was leaving SiriusXM, was so convincing that both outlets reported it as breaking news.

On CNBC’s SquawkBox , anchors Andrew Ross Sorkin and Becky Quick dedicated airtime to detailing the fabricated split.

“We’ve got some breaking news for you this morning. Howard Stern, officially splitting with Sirius XM

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