Corporate Social Responsibility

PRNEWS announced the winners of the 2025 Platinum Awards on Tuesday, October 7, before an audience of more than 400 PR and communications professionals gathered at the Pier Sixty venue in New York City. This year’s Platinum winners represent the industry’s highest standard of creativity, innovation and impact—those who have reached the pinnacle of strategic storytelling, brand reputation and audience connection.

One viral moment can destroy a reputation overnight. And that reality played out at the US Open on August 29, 2025, when Polish CEO Piotr Szczerek snatched an autographed hat meant for a young fan from tennis star Kamil Majchrzak. The boy was left heartbroken; the internet was outraged. Here’s how to beyond an apology and take full accountability.

This week’s PR Roundup examines the decision of staying silent during crisis—such as Home Depot’s current situation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Target announces a new CEO—will it help get sales back on track? Also we look at a fun brand collaboration between Urban Outfitters and Chipotle, just in time for back-to-school. 

We’re thrilled to unveil the shortlist for the 2025 PRNEWS Platinum Awards—a celebration of the most daring campaigns, innovative strategies and powerhouse teams in PR. Now, the stage is set to see who will claim top honors.

This week’s PR Roundup looks at what communicators can learn from Sony’s public pledge for product sustainability, a new list honoring the top 50 independent creator-journalists and the continuing problem of AI summary results for the news industry and earned media.

PRNEWS has unveiled the winners of its 2025 Impact Communications Awards, which honor the most outstanding CSR, ESG & DEI initiatives and communicators driving that impact.

The Chicago Sun Times and Philadelphia Inquirer did not help boost any new media trust when caught in an AI content controversy.

Data show the future of public relations is stronger when it’s more diverse, and PR agencies must hold themselves accountable in upholding DEI commitments within their own walls and across the industry.

In this round of Top Tips, we asked the experts for best practices regarding sustainability communications—what’s working, what’s not and how brands can avoid greenwashing while staying true to their values. 

This week’s PR Roundup looks at social advocacy lessons from the Institute for Public Relations Bridge Conference, the results of a new small business public relations study, and a new tool to recycle and elevate forgotten brainstorm ideas.