Public affairs continue to spin forward at a dizzying pace, especially in the United States. A mercurial, fast-moving government is prompting businesses to react quickly and nimbly to a variety of challenges.
Here are some of the biggest stories from the last week communicators should know.
- Trump-appointed FCC chair pressures media
Top U.S. media regulator Brendan Carr has sparked outrage by using his Federal Communications Commission post to pressure broadcasters. Carr even urged Disney’s ABC to suspend comedian Jimmy Kimmel after Kimmel’s remarks about a conservative activist, prompting Democratic leaders to demand Carr’s resignation. In eight months as chair, Carr has reimagined the FCC’s role, threatening broadcast licenses and opening investigations against outlets he deems biased against former President Trump.
Why it matters: Government officials publicly targeting news content raises free speech alarms. Communicators at media companies now face an unprecedented regulatory environment aimed at altering programming and business decisions. Carr’s hardline approach signals a highly politicized media environment where federal approval of mergers or licenses may hinge on editorial stances. Communicators must work carefully with legal to understand the acceptable risks of this moment – what they’re willing to stand up for and what isn’t a battle worth fighting. Internal, external and governmental audiences all must be addressed on their own terms.
- Democrats float bill to shield media speech
In the wake of Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension under political pressure, congressional Democrats proposed new legislation to protect news outlets from government retaliation. The bill, introduced Sept. 18, would reaffirm First Amendment free press guarantees amid concern that officials like FCC Chair Carr are overstepping by coercing broadcasters. Lawmakers behind the measure cited the need to prevent any White House from using regulatory powers to censor unfavorable coverage after Carr targeted Kimmel’s show. Republicans counter that the FCC must ensure balance and have not endorsed the bill.
Why it matters: While the bill’s fate is uncertain, its existence arms media and corporate communication teams with a talking point: that attempts to silence outlets are being met with pushback. Communicators in regulated industries should watch this debate closely. If enacted, such protections could provide legal recourse when facing politically motivated pressure on content or speech. Even if not, the public conversation around it can be leveraged to reinforce the principle that credible communications – whether journalism or corporate issue advocacy – deserve protection from undue government interference.
- Trump’s Tylenol claims spark PR headache
Tylenol’s brand owner, Kenvue is in damage-control mode after former President Trump suggested the pain reliever can cause autism. Trump’s unsubstantiated claims, which face opposition from medical experts, have circulated widely, prompting Kenvue to reassure consumers about Tylenol’s long track record of safety and efficacy through public statements, third-party advocacy and FAQs.
Why it matters: A high-profile figure’s misinformation can force even market-leading brands into urgent reputation management. Communicators must respond swiftly and factually, as Kenvue did, to prevent confusion from taking root. It also reinforces the importance of strong third-party validation — in this case, health experts countering Trump’s narrative — to bolster corporate messaging. For all organizations, the takeaway is clear: be prepared for unexpected commentary from influential voices, and have crisis plans ready to deploy science-based messaging that protects both the brand and public safety.
- Starbucks sued over new dress code
Baristas in three states filed class-action lawsuits claiming Starbucks’ tightened dress code forces them to buy new clothes without reimbursement. The updated policy, launched in May, limits attire to neutral colors and bans multiple piercings and “theatrical” makeup. Plaintiffs say they’ve spent hundreds on shoes and clothing to comply, violating state laws requiring employers to cover uniform costs. The suits, backed by Starbucks Workers United, follow unsuccessful union charges and come as the labor board’s ability to act is curtailed under the Trump administration.
Why it matters: Internal communicators should note how corporate policy changes can spark legal and reputational battles. Aiming for a consistent brand image (the “green apron to shine”) backfired when employees felt the burden. These lawsuits highlight the importance of engaging employees before rolling out appearance rules that impose costs on low-wage staff. For communications teams, the incident is a cautionary tale in balancing brand standards with employee goodwill and legal compliance, especially amid a unionization push that amplifies negative press and public scrutiny.
- New $100K fee per H-1B visa jolts tech sector
The Trump administration will require employers to pay $100,000 annually for each H-1B visa worker starting this week. The steep fee, introduced on Sept. 19, targets the high-skilled visa program heavily used by tech and finance firms. Big companies like Microsoft and JPMorgan urgently advised visa-holding staff abroad to rush back to the U.S. before the fee took effect. Officials argue the change will push companies to “train American” graduates instead of relying on foreign talent. Industry leaders, however, warn the move could deter global talent and impose millions in new costs on businesses.
Why it matters: Communicators in tech and other H-1B-reliant industries must address employee anxieties and public perceptions head-on. Many companies will need to explain abrupt travel directives and project delays as they absorb the fee or face talent gaps. Externally, organizations may consider speaking out about impacts on innovation and competitiveness – but must tread carefully to avoid seeming unsupportive of U.S. workers. Internally, transparent messaging about visa strategies and support for affected employees will be key to maintaining morale and retaining critical skills amid heightened immigration crackdowns.
- Supreme Court targets FTC independence
In a preliminary decision with sweeping implications, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed President Trump to fire an FTC commissioner without cause – a break from 90 years of precedent. By a 6–3 vote on Sept. 22, the Court stayed a lower court’s order reinstating Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, whom Trump had ousted for policy differences. The justices also agreed to hear the case in December, explicitly questioning whether the 1935 Humphrey’s Executor ruling (which shields independent agency heads) should be overruled. Dissenting justices warned the FTC is a “classic independent agency” Congress insulated from political whims.
Why it matters: This challenge strikes at the heart of regulatory stability. If the Court ultimately curtails agency independence, companies could see regulators like the FTC, SEC, or NLRB swing more sharply with each administration – altering enforcement risks and requiring agile compliance messaging. Public affairs and legal communications teams should scenario-plan for a post-Humphrey’s landscape: how to reassure investors and customers if consumer protection or antitrust enforcement becomes more politicized. Additionally, internal comms may need to guide employees through potential policy whiplash. Simply put, the ground rules of engagement with regulators could soon change, and communicators must be ready to adapt strategies accordingly.
- Federal judge allows offshore wind project to resume despite Trump halt
A U.S. district judge granted a preliminary injunction on Sept. 22, blocking the Trump administration’s stop-work order on the Revolution Wind offshore project off Rhode Island’s coast. The administration had argued the project violated permit conditions tied to national security and scientific ocean surveys, but the court found those claims insufficient and inconsistent. Orsted can restart construction under judicial protection while reviews continue.
Why it matters: Communications teams in energy and utilities should emphasize the legal overturn as vindication of procedural fairness. The decision also shifts the narrative from regulatory risk to regulatory accountability, enabling clearer messaging about project stability, job impacts, and energy transition direction.
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