Oops! CNN confuses Austria for Australia and the social media masses notice
Is there a difference between Australia and Austria? Well, yes, but it seems that CNN is amongst a number of people that often confuse the two countries that have an entire 10 hour time difference between them. No, really.
In true egg-on-face style in the news world, global news outlet CNN ran a story entitled "Australia is building a fence on the border of Slovenia".
Considering that Slovenia in Eastern Europe is at least an entire ocean and 10 hours away from Australia, it is immediately obvious that this is a geographical faux pas.
But if you thought it was only CNN that - perhaps for a moment - doesn't know the difference between Australia and Austria, guess again.
Mashable notes that 'Austria and Australia are they the same?' and even 'Australia and Austria confusion' are often amongst the most searched items when you Google 'Austria and Australia'.
Looking at the issue from all angles to consider how CNN got there is the reasonable route to take - one which the social media masses aren't particularly interested in.
You know the drill - the 'zero chill' factor always comes into play here:
This seems a little paranoid for an island nation thousands of miles away. pic.twitter.com/6jTLYhGwqz
— Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) February 29, 2016
If CNN thinks Austria is Australia, then they probably think New Zealand is next to New Jersey. https://t.co/k5H8RXz1KM
— Jens Mueller, MNZM (@jenshmueller) March 2, 2016
Very kind of Australia to help, close ally, Slovenia out. If it's on CNN, it must be true.
— Bryan MacDonald (@27khv) February 29, 2016
pic.twitter.com/FuJLCyahCE
Let Bridget know: what things have you been confused about that Google ultimately helped to solve for you? #Workzone1