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.
Corporate Social Responsibility

How Piotr Szczerek Can Apologize and Rebuild After Hat-Snatching Fiasco
September 2nd, 2025 by Dan Rene
PR Roundup: Home Depot’s ICE Crisis, Target’s CEO Switch and Becoming a Human Burrito with Chipotle
August 21st, 2025 by Nicole SchumanThis 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.

PRNEWS Reveals the 2025 Platinum Awards Shortlist
August 18th, 2025 by PRNEWSWe’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.

PR Roundup: Sony’s Sustainability, AI Summary Crisis, Top 50 Creator-Journalists
July 24th, 2025 by Nicole SchumanThis 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 Unveils Winners of the 2025 Impact Communications Awards
June 20th, 2025 by PRNEWSPRNEWS has unveiled the winners of its 2025 Impact Communications Awards, which honor the most outstanding CSR, ESG & DEI initiatives and communicators driving that impact.

News Outlets Respond to AI-Generated Summer Reading List Insert
May 22nd, 2025 by Nicole SchumanThe Chicago Sun Times and Philadelphia Inquirer did not help boost any new media trust when caught in an AI content controversy.

How Agencies Spark DEI Change Industry-Wide
May 2nd, 2025 by Nikki Festa O’BrienData 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.

Top Tips: Sustainability Communications
April 22nd, 2025 by Nicole SchumanIn 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.

PR Roundup: Social Advocacy Advice, Small Business PR and Recycling Brainstorm Ideas
April 10th, 2025 by Nicole SchumanThis 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.

How To Tackle Successful DEI PR Amidst Political Pushback
February 21st, 2025 by Brennan Nevada JohnsonIn honor of Black History Month and PRSA’s confirmed commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, our contributing writer looks at how PR professionals can safeguard DEI communications in a divisive political environment.