The second fake newscast mentions the fall of the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in October 1978, three months before Joe's supposed awakening from his coma in January 1979. Amin did fall from power in 1979, though a few months later than "predicted." He was overthrown on April 11, 1979 when Tanzania invaded Uganda.
While speaking to Abrams, Joe mentions that a former spy and friend, Alexander Cartel, had tried to kill his father, Fenton Hardy. This happened in the episode, Acapulco Spies (1977)
The first fake newscast mentions the surprise wedding of King Charles III (then the Prince of Wales) and Princess Caroline of Monaco in January 1979. At the time, it was widely rumoured that they were in a secret relationship and would eventually marry.
This episode takes place in February 1978.
When he awakens from his apparent coma, Joe is told that it is Wednesday January 17, 1979. This was almost a year into the future at the time of broadcast. In reality, the series finale Life on the Line (1979) aired on January 14, 1979.