Reuters triggered a business news media hoax today when it published a wire story which stated that the US Chamber of Commerce had reversed its policy on climate change legislation.  The problem arose when a false press release by the campaign group 'Yes Men' was attributed as coming from the Chamber.  Subsequently, both CNBC and the Fox Business Network put the report to air before checking the facts with the chamber, and then having to issue retractions.  A Thomson Reuters spokesman told Talking Biz News; "Reuters has an obligation to its clients to publish news and information that could move financial markets, and this story had the potential to do that. Once we had confirmed the release was a hoax, we immediately issued a correction, and in keeping with Reuters policy, the story was subsequently withdrawn and an advisory sent to readers."

TVNewser reports that: "At 11:15amET, CNBC's Hampton Pearson delivered a breaking report with the press release and then returned shortly thereafter to reveal that the information was false. Fox Business anchor Brian Sullivan reported the news before announcing, mid-report, that the Chamber was denying the information."

Politico's Michael Calderone and Lisa Lerer also reported on the hoax, saying;

In a story posted Monday morning, Reuters declared: "The Chamber of Commerce said on Monday it will no longer opposes climate change legislation, but wants the bill to include a carbon tax."

"Reuters has an obligation to its clients to publish news and information that could move financial markets, and this story had the potential to do that," said a Thomson Reuters spokesperson. "Once we had confirmed the release was a hoax, we immediately issued a correction, and in keeping with Reuters policy, the story was subsequently withdrawn and an advisory sent to readers."

The US Chamber of Commerce were quick to issue their own, legitimate, release confirming their real position.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President for Communications and Strategy Thomas J. Collamore issued the following statement on the fake press activities today which muddled the Chamber’s position on climate change:
 
“Public relations hoaxes undermine the genuine effort to find solutions on the challenge of climate change.
 
“These irresponsible tactics are a foolish distraction from the serious effort by our nation to reduce greenhouse gases. The U.S. Chamber believes that strong climate legislation is compatible with the goals of improving our economy and creating jobs. We continuously seek opportunities to engage in a constructive dialogue to achieve these goals.
 
“We will be asking law enforcement authorities to investigate this event.  Beyond that, the Chamber will simply continue to focus on a positive vision for getting people back to work and growing our economy.”
 
The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

It is the second time in a week that news and business media have succumbed to ellaborate hoaxes.