History
Founded in 1954 by Howard J. Rubenstein at his mother’s kitchen table, our firm began with a bold vision: helping people and institutions share their stories with integrity.
The tools of communications have evolved dramatically, but the fundamentals endure—critical thinking and navigating complexity matter more than ever.
“What works is doing the right thing. Sooner or later, someone will recognize it, and it won’t look like a structured creation on your part. Design your reputation by doing the right thing.” Howard J. Rubenstein
1950 \ 1960
From Howard J. Rubenstein’s founding of the firm in 1954, to redefining public narratives like the shift from ‘Garbage Men to Sanitation Men’ in 1968, Rubenstein Communications has been a trusted voice shaping New York’s legacy.
Rubenstein has been at the forefront of some of New York City’s most memorable moments, from the opening of campaign headquarters of New York Supreme Court Justice Murray T. Feiden, to a New York City Council campaign event for George H. Hearn attended by John F. Kennedy.
Howard J Rubenstein Samuel Rubenstein was a crime reporter who introduced his son, Howard J. Rubenstein, to journalism at a young age and mentored him at the start of his career in public relations.
Senator John F. Kennedy
1960 \ 1970
In 1960, supporters of the United Taxpayers Party and New York City Assemblyman Vito Battista’s (with camel) colorful protest at City Hall against Mayor Wagner’s proposed budget garnered much attention. Battista often used animal-themed stunts (camel, monkeys, and a stuffed alligator) to generate media attention.
NEW YORK CITY ASSEMBLYMAN VITO BATTISTA
From Garbage Men to Sanitation Men
During the 1968 New York City sanitation strike, John DeLury, the President of the Uniformed Sanitation Men’s Association, was thrown in jail for refusing to call off the strike. DeLury hired Howard from jail to represent the union and Rubenstein undertook a media campaign to change the public’s perception of “garbagemen” and the motivation behind their refusal to work.
1970 \ 1980
During one of New York City’s worst fiscal crises in the 1970s, Howard Rubenstein brought together the city’s business and civic leadership to create the Association for a Better New York.
In 1976, after being closed for renovations, Yankee Stadium re-opened its doors just in time for the launch of iconic and enduring, “I Love New York” campaign. Howard Rubenstein worked on both.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis & The Urban Center
In 1980, we stood alongside Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and The Municipal Art Society as they launched The Urban Center, creating a hub for urban planning and preservation that would inspire the city’s future for decades.
1980 \ 1990
In 1984, Diana Ross, Mayor Koch, and Howard Rubenstein announced plans for the Diana Ross Playground in Central Park.
At the same time, Rubenstein Communications celebrated its 30th Anniversary at Tavern on the Green in Central Park. As the New York Post reported, “The powerful who run New York swapped inside talk and jokes at the glittering bash...Among those swapping tales of the past were George Steinbrenner, Abe Beame, real estate magnates Lewis Rudin, Larry Silverstein, and John Tishman, and city Controller Harrison Goldin.”
Howard J rubenstein
Mayor Koch, Howard J. Rubenstein, and Governor Mario Cuomo.
Diana Ross Playground
Diana Ross, Mayor Koch, and Howard J. Rubenstein.
Steven Rubenstein
1990s
Steven Rubenstein began his career at then Rubenstein and Associates in the mailroom, learning the ropes of the office from people who still work there today. Starting at the very foundation of the business, throughout the years he immersed himself in every aspect of the company’s operations, gaining invaluable insights into the world of communications. His journey from sorting mail to leading the firm exemplifies the dedication, humility, and hands-on leadership that continues to define Rubenstein Communications. Steven’s story is a testament to the company’s enduring culture of mentorship, collaboration, and growth.
Steven Rubenstein
THE NEW YORK POST
After several years of tumult, Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp repurchased the New York Post in 1993 ushering in a new period of stability for the newspaper.
GEORGE MAGAZINE LAUNCH
George was a monthly magazine centered on the theme of politics-as-a-lifestyle. The magazine was founded by John F. Kennedy Jr. and Michael J. Berman.
New Year’s Eve in Times Square BECOMES A CLIENT
With over one million people watching the ball drop in Times Square, and over a billion people watching on television, New Year’s Eve in Times Square has become a global tradition to bid farewell to the departing year and celebrate the incoming one.
2000s
From celebrating Rubenstein’s 60th anniversary at Yankee Stadium to spearheading campaigns like the Association for a Better New York’s Census 2020 campaign, Rubenstein Communications has consistently been at the forefront of defining cultural, corporate, and civic milestones.
Memorable moments include the relocation of the Whitney Museum, the topping out of 3 World Trade Center, the launch of Little Island, shaping the narrative around historic deals like Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century FOX. Whether supporting The City College of New York for Michelle Obama’s commencement address or working on a high-profile leadership transition at Uber, our work reflects a legacy of influence and impact across industries and generations.
News Corp Hosts Global Forum
Attended by dignitaries such as Colin Powell, Madeline Albright, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Henry Kissinger, the global forum was hosted by News Corp to discuss America’s role in international affairs in the 21st century. More than 200 other leaders from politics, media, finance, business, law, advertising, technology, and non-profit organizations.
MoMA Expansion
In early 1996, MoMA bought the 19-story Dorset Hotel, at 30 west 54th street, along with two adjacent brownstones enabling it to become a 630,000 square-foot complex, which more than double its size.
Hearst Tower in NYC Opens
The 46-story glass-and-steel world headquarters tower on eighth avenue between 56th and 57th streets houses 2,000 New York City-based Hearst employees as well as some of the world's best-known print, electronic and interactive brands.
2010s
From hosting world leaders at News Corp’s Global Forum 2000 to David Letterman’s heartfelt return to air after 9/11, Rubenstein Communications has been part of defining moments in history. We celebrated the launch of the Tribeca Film Festival, revitalizing lower Manhattan, and supported MoMA’s transformative expansion, doubling its size. For two decades, we’ve proudly publicized the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting, a cherished holiday tradition.
Paramount Pictures’ 100th Anniversary
On January 13, 2012, on the iconic Stage 18, one of the largest on the Paramount lot, 116 stars including the likes of Jack Nicholson, Barbra Streisand, Meryl Streep, George Clooney, Tom Cruise, Jane Fonda, and Brad Pitt, gathered to celebrate Paramount Pictures’ 100th Anniversary. Culminating with an iconic photograph. The Rubenstein Entertainment group, led by Steven, was onsite for the occasion.
60th Anniversary of RUBENSTEIN
New York Yankees congratulate Howard and Steven at Yankee Stadium on the 60th anniversary of Rubenstein.
KATY PERRY AT BREAKTHROUGH PRIZE CEREMONY
Known as the “Oscars of Science,” the annual Breakthrough Prize honors the world’s top scientists and mathematicians, granting $3 million dollar prizes in categories including, Life Sciences, Fundamental Physics, and Mathematics to winners to celebrate their achievements.
LINCOLN CENTER
After 42 years, Lincoln Center announced that Avery Fisher Hall would be renamed David Geffen Hall. The $100 million dollar gift from the West Coast mogul, born in Brooklyn, jumpstarted the campaign to renovate the home of the New York Philharmonic.
New Year’s Eve in Times SquarE
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square with longtime clients Countdown Entertainment and the Times Square Alliance.
3 WORLD TRADE CENTER
Silverstein Properties Chairman Larry A. Silverstein joined approximately 1,000 union construction workers and leading New York government, civic, and business officials at a topping out ceremony marking the completion of concrete construction for the new 3 World Trade Center.
STEVEN RUBENSTEIN WITH TISH JAMES
Steven Rubenstein was named Chair of the Association for a Better New York (ABNY) and the ABNY Foundation, the civic non-profit dedicated to making New York City a better place to live, work, and visit.
ZUCKERBERG & SEINFELD
Facebook founder and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Jerry Seinfeld having coffee at Facebook headquarters inside of a 1957 Chevy Bel Air the company converted into a meeting room. Seinfeld was at Facebook to participate in Zuckerberg’s first live Q&A.
Amazon selects JBG SMITH to develop HQ2 in National landing at conclusion of nationwide competition.
ABNY Census 2020
Under Steven Rubenstein’s leadership, the Association for a Better New York, led a successful multi-year campaign that brought together a coalition of government, corporate, and community-based partners to help New York fight for a fair and accurate 2020 Census count. Their efforts helped New York achieve a count that far exceeded expectations despite the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and a hostile administration in Washington, saving a seat in Congress and ensuring billions in additional federal dollars that will benefit New Yorkers in the decade to come.
NEWYORK-PRESBYTERIAN
In 2020, the Covid pandemic, widespread social and political upheaval, and significant global events redefined how our clients communicated with their internal and external audiences. We served as day-to-day partner to the largest hospital system in New York City, as well as a wide array of clients in all sectors, on an unprecedented range of PR challenges – from lockdown and mask protocols, day-to-day medical issues including PPE shortages, and end of life decisions. The end of 2020 brought a celebration of scientific breakthroughs with the rapid development of a Covid vaccine.
Little Island at Pier 55
Little Island at Pier 55, a new 2.4 acre public park and performance venue, opened on the Hudson River.
L&L HOLDING
L&L Holding celebrates opening of 425 Park Avenue, the first major office tower to rise on fabled Plaza District corridor in half a century.
TISHMAN SPEYER
Tishman Speyer and the Giants complete first phase of Mission Rock neighborhood on San Franciso waterfront.
THE GATES, BY ARTISTS CHRISTO AND JEANNE-CLAUDE
February 2025 marked the 20th anniversary of the revolutionary 2005 public art installation in New York City – The Gates, by artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude. To commemorate, The Gates were celebrated with an exhibition at The Shed NY and an augmented reality experience in Central Park, powered by Bloomberg Connects.
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
Saturday Night Live celebrates 50 years.