The New York Times: Who Owns It?

For over a century, the New York Times, a newspaper of global record and influence, has been synonymous with journalistic excellence and integrity. But behind the headlines and groundbreaking investigations, one family has quietly steered the ship: the Sulzberger family.

The Sulzberger Dynasty

Adolph S. Ochs, an immigrant from Germany, acquired The New York Times in 1896. Ochs rescued the paper from near-financial ruin and set it on a path toward becoming the "newspaper of record." His vision focused on delivering impartial news, a commitment that still defines the Times today. Upon his death in 1935, Ochs passed the leadership to his son-in-law, Arthur Hays Sulzberger, thus beginning the Sulzberger family's enduring control.

The family's control is secured through a dual-class share structure. The Ochs-Sulzberger family owns Class B shares, which give them outsized voting rights compared to the publicly traded Class A shares. This ensures that, regardless of stock market fluctuations, the family retains ultimate decision-making power regarding the newspaper's direction and management.

Notable Sulzberger Family Members:

• Arthur Hays Sulzberger: Adolph Ochs's son-in-law, who took over as publisher in 1935.
• Arthur Ochs Sulzberger: Arthur Hays Sulzberger's son, who succeeded him as publisher in 1963.
• Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr.: Served as publisher from 1992 to 2017, navigating the paper through the digital revolution.
• A. G. Sulzberger: The current publisher, continuing the family legacy into the 21st century.

Navigating the Digital Age

Under the leadership of Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr. and now his son, A. G. Sulzberger, The New York Times has successfully transitioned into the digital age. They have embraced online subscriptions, multimedia content, and innovative storytelling formats. Despite the changing media landscape, the Sulzberger family has remained committed to maintaining the paper's high journalistic standards and editorial independence.

The New York Times's digital transformation has allowed it to broaden its reach, attracting millions of online subscribers worldwide. This digital strategy has become a crucial revenue stream, ensuring the paper's financial stability in an era where print media faces significant challenges.

Criticisms and Challenges

While the Sulzberger family's stewardship has largely been seen as positive, they have also faced criticisms. Some critics argue that family ownership can lead to insularity and a lack of diverse perspectives. Others question whether the family's control is truly in the best interest of the newspaper in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Despite these challenges, the Sulzberger family has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and innovate. They have invested in investigative journalism, embraced new technologies, and remained committed to delivering high-quality news to a global audience. Their continued leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of The New York Times for generations to come.

Call to Action: Explore the New York Times archives to delve deeper into its rich history and journalistic legacy.