D S Simon Media, a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and AI search optimization, is celebrating its 40th anniversary on July 4th. “Obviously, a lot has changed during those 40 years, but what has stayed the same is the importance of discoverability for organizations and our ability to help them be found,” says founder and CEO Doug Simon.
The firm launched in 1986 with $2,000 in Mr. Simon’s bank account. “I can’t say I expected the level of accomplishment we’ve achieved,” says Simon, “but, fortunately, I learned early on that if I just hired great people, there was no limit to what we could achieve for our clients and the people who work here.”
Among its early achievements, D S Simon Media helped launch Disney.com and announced the FDA approval of Viagra via video sent to TV news stations. 33 years ago, it was one of the first companies to produce a satellite media tour. The tour promoted the United Negro College Fund’s annual telethon and featured Lou Rawls as the spokesperson.
In 2025, the company introduced the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™ which both earns media and enhances GEO. “The success of the AI-Powered Tours is powering our expansion as we are building out multiple studios and control rooms to handle the growth,” says Simon.
Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, non-profits, and associations. The firm boasts repeat business from more than 95% of its clients and has won more than 125 industry awards.
As part of its celebration, the company will be talking with 40 senior PR pros on the state of the industry today and where it’s headed. They’ll be sharing these answers on its highly rated “PR’s Top Pros” podcast. The first episode of this special series will roll out in mid-July. Email us at PrsTopPros@dssimonmedia.com if you want to participate.
“We’re really proud of what we’ve accomplished and even more excited about what the future holds,” adds Simon.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:
Doug, D S Simon Media: 40 years ago, on July 4th, 1986, I declared my independence and founded D S Simon Media. It all happened in the apartment building right behind me at 159 West 85th Street in a fifth-floor walk-up that was 400 square feet. We celebrated with a nationwide fireworks display, which was great for our marketing budget. New York City’s changed quite a bit since then. In fact, at that time, an apartment building on the corner was filled with squatters. Now, apartments there sell for 1.4 million dollars.
Some early highlights of our business included a 25th anniversary video series for the West German government on the anniversary of the Berlin Wall. We helped launch Disney.com and announced the FDA approval of Viagra. Big stories.
As you can see, the technology has changed quite a bit, but what hasn’t changed in 40 years is our commitment to making clients discoverable. The tools, broadcast news and now generative engine optimization with our AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tours™.
We want you to be part of the celebration. We’ll be talking with 40 senior PR pros on the state of the industry today and where it’s headed. We’ll be sharing these answers on our podcast. Have someone in mind to participate? Email us at PrsTopPros@dssimonmedia.com. Most importantly, thanks to all of you and our great team for making these 40 years possible.