diff --git a/features/support/publishing_cuke_helpers.rb b/features/support/publishing_cuke_helpers.rb
index 402f939e5..d9a17b98c 100644
--- a/features/support/publishing_cuke_helpers.rb
+++ b/features/support/publishing_cuke_helpers.rb
@@ -5,8 +5,9 @@ module PublishingCukeHelpers
 
   def append_to_publisher(txt)
     status_message_text = find("#status_message_text").value
-    find("#status_message_text").native.send_key(" #{txt}")
-    expect(page).to have_field("status_message[text]", with: "#{status_message_text} #{txt}")
+    fill_in id: "status_message_text", with: "#{status_message_text} #{txt}"
+    # trigger JavaScript event listeners
+    find("#status_message_text").native.send_key(:end)
   end
 
   def upload_file_with_publisher(path)