On Friday, May 10, 2024, the KTLA newsroom changed forever.
It was around noon when the news came of Sam Rubin’s passing. It came to the assignment desk first, where KTLA hears the heartbeat of Los Angeles, something Rubin has been for more than three decades.
For the next hour, the newsroom as a whole banded together to respond to the news much like any other major event – despite the heartache at the station – with non-stop interviews, commentary, video clips and reflection.
In such a troubling time, a simple hug can heal so many.
KTLA’s own sports reporter Krystle Rich came down the long hallway into the newsroom, a walk Rubin would make dozens of times during his early morning shifts.
She took the time to hug each KTLA family member, experiencing the same pain all at once.
Rubin was all over the newsroom, often heading from one end to the other. To the untrained eye, this could easily be misinterpreted as he was too busy to chat.
The reality was, Sam Rubin was one of the most engaged reporters in the newsroom and would still take the time to present his gentle candor with so many who walked into his life.
In the 11 hours that followed, many departments sifted through hours of segments, photos and videos.
Over the next several hours, the newsroom took the time to try and celebrate Sam in a way to honor his legacy, while also staying true to KTLA’s commitment to journalism in the way it’s been done for nearly 80 years.
By reporting the news.
It’s been two days since the passing of Sam Rubin and all of Los Angeles has poured in their tributes.
Hollywood mourned Rubin with an outpouring of social media posts.
Iconic L.A. landmarks like the TCL Chinese Theatre, SoFi Stadium and the ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier all paid tribute to L.A.’s godfather of entertainment news.
Rubin was embedded in the very fabric of Los Angeles, growing up in the city after moving from San Diego at a young age.
He attended University High School, reporting the news for L.A. city schools.
He graduated from Occidental College in 1982, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in American studies and rhetoric.
In his over 30 years at KTLA, he’s won countless Emmys and a Golden Mic for Best Entertainment Reporter.
He also received a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association.
Sam Rubin was 64.