NBCUniversal breaks ‘perceived silence’ on Golden Globes’ diversity issues, Disneyland shares safety precautions ahead of reopening, and Honda talks production plant shutdowns

Hello, communicators:

The IRS announced yesterday that it is extending that tax filing deadline to May 17, 2021, a decision made in order to allow filers more time to figure out more complicated tax returns exacerbated by COVID-19.

“The various coronavirus relief programs created over the last year, including the bill signed into law just last week, have resulted in a large amount of extra paperwork for taxpayers this year and have required tax preparation firms to constantly update their systems, Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho shared is a statement reported by CNN.

After a year when communicators have had to practice greater flexibility with changing plans and procedures, the IRS’ extended deadline reminds us that there’s nothing wrong with changing timelines, protocols and procedures in order to play catch up and realign stakeholder expectations. It is important, however, that those changes are communicated with as much lead time as possible.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the organization behind The Golden Globes, has come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks for the lack of diversity among its 87 members, which has not had a Black member in 20 years.