PR Power Shakeup as New Agencies Disrupt the Top 10 and Break the NYC-LA Stronghold
Top 10 US PR Rankings - January 2025
Ruder Finn (New York, NY) ↑
42 West (New York, NY) ↑
H&S Communications (New York, NY) ↑
Fabric Media (Los Angeles, CA) ↑
Racepoint Global (Boston, MA) ↓
Dezenhall Resources, Ltd. (Washington, DC) *
Beehive Strategic Communication (St. Paul, MN) *
Omodt & Associates (Minneapolis, MN) *
Edelman (New York, NY) ↓
Williams Whittle Associates (Alexandria, VA) ↓
* New top 10 company in list
– Top 10 Ranking same from prior month
↑Increased ranking in top 10
↓ Decreased top 10 ranking
The Top 10 US Public Relations and Communications Companies list is determined by the total volume of agency engagement within the CommunicationsMatch™ platform during a calendar month. These metrics represent businesses seeking to find PR and communications partners in the United States.
The January 2025 Public Relations rankings, produced by CommPRO and CommunicationsMatch, highlight a shift in the communications landscape with new players breaking into the top ten, challenging the traditional dominance of agencies based in New York and Los Angeles. Ruder Finn has taken the top spot at number one, and three firms—Dezenhall Resources, Ltd., Beehive Strategic Communication , and Omodt & Associates—have entered the rankings for the first time, signaling the growing influence of firms based outside of the industry’s historic power centers.
Ruder Finn, headquartered in New York, stands out as one of the world’s largest independent communications agencies, offering a diverse array of services across technology, healthcare, and consumer brands. Its return to the number one position underscores the continued importance of global reach and cross-sector expertise in public relations. Meanwhile, 42 West, ranking at number two, remains a top-tier contender, specializing in entertainment and media communications, demonstrating the lasting impact of PR at the intersection of pop culture, content, and technology.
H&S Communications, ranked third, is a full-service agency rooted in storytelling that continues to leverage its New York presence to shape brand narratives across industries. Fabric Media, in fourth place, is based in Los Angeles and maintains a stronghold in the top five through its ability to adapt marketing communications strategies to the rapidly shifting media landscape, a crucial skill for modern PR agencies.
Racepoint Global, ranked fifth, is an independent agency in Boston that continues to solidify its place as a go-to firm for B2B and consumer technology brands. The entrance of Dezenhall Resources, Ltd., Beehive Strategic Communication, and Omodt & Associates to the rankings indicates an increased recognition of specialized services in crisis management, strategic communication, and public affairs. Dezenhall Resources, Ltd., based in Washington, D.C., has built its reputation on crisis management and reputation defense, emphasizing the demand for firms skilled in mitigating reputational risk in an increasingly complex and high-stakes media environment.
Beehive Strategic Communication’s rise to seventh place reflects a growing interest in purpose-driven communication strategies. As a Certified B Corporation and Women’s Business Enterprise, the Saint Paul, Minnesota-based firm is focused on helping businesses navigate complex challenges while maintaining a commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability.
Omodt & Associates, ranked eighth, is a Minneapolis-based crisis communications and public relations firm that showcases the increasing value of expert media training and strategic response planning. Led by industry veteran Paul Omodt, the agency’s inclusion in the rankings points to a shift in the communications industry toward more tailored, high-impact crisis management solutions.
Edelman, ranked ninth, is a long-established global firm, though its recent ranking slide suggests increased competition from emerging and niche-focused agencies. Williams Whittle Associates, coming in at number ten, rounds out the list, exemplifying the strength of mission-driven communications agencies that focus on nonprofit and impact-driven organizations.
The latest rankings paint a picture of an evolving PR industry where geographic diversity and specialized services are gaining traction. The presence of firms from Washington, D.C., Minnesota, and Boston disrupts the traditional New York-Los Angeles dominance, signaling that clients are looking for expertise beyond the coasts. The growth of crisis management and purpose-driven communication also suggests that organizations are prioritizing resilience and reputation management more than ever. As companies continue to navigate media scrutiny, regulatory pressures, and evolving consumer expectations, the ability to offer highly specialized services will define the future of the communications industry.
This list is published monthly in CommPRO as part of the partnership between CommunicationsMatch™ and CommPRO. This collaboration integrates CommunicationsMatch™’s agency search and RFP tools with CommPRO's publishing and events, creating a powerful platform to facilitate new client-agency connections and generate valuable business opportunities for US-based public relations and communications companies.
