NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 19, 2006--The New York Times announced today the launch of TimesPoints, a free subscription rewards program that allows members to earn points for purchases at thousands of participating restaurants, hotels and online retailers. Points can be redeemed to pay for the cost of a New York Times home delivery subscription, merchandise from The New York Times Store, or gift cards from select advertisers of The New York Times such as Bloomingdales, Apple iTunes Store and Barnes and Noble.

TimesPoints members will be able to register up to three of their credit or debit cards on the TimesPoints Web site. When members use registered cards in qualified transactions at participating merchants they will receive points that are automatically added to their TimesPoints account.

"We are always looking for new and innovative ways to reward our loyal readers," said Alyse Myers, senior vice president, chief marketing officer, The New York Times Media Group. "The TimesPoints program is an excellent opportunity for us to extend our brand and offer great benefits to our readers for doing everyday activities like dining, staying at hotels and shopping online."

Through The Times's agreement with two of the largest and most successful operators in the loyalty rewards industry, Rewards Network for dining and hotels, and Advantex Marketing International for online shops, points can be earned as follows:

-- Restaurants:

Members will receive at least 10% of their total dining bill, including tax and tip, converted to TimesPoints at 9,000 restaurants across the U.S. and Canada.

-- Hotels:

Members will earn 5% converted into TimesPoints for every dollar spent on room rates for qualified stays at more than 10,000 hotels across the U.S. and Canada.

-- Online Shops:

Members can earn a percentage of their purchase converted to TimesPoints when shopping online at more than 200 participating e-retailers including Brooks Brothers, The Sharper Image, Target and Best Buy.

Each point earned is worth the equivalent of $1 in eligible products and services when members apply TimesPoints to pay for their subscription or to great rewards from The New York Times.

"We are proud to be working with The New York Times," said Ron Blake, president and chief executive officer of Rewards Network. "Rewards Network and our participating restaurants welcome TimesPoints members to this exclusive loyalty and rewards program."

"Shopping online has become part of many people's busy lives, and is making significant gains in popularity every year," said G. Randall Munger, chairman and chief executive officer of Advantex. "TimesPoints Online Shops connects members with hundreds of major e-retailers in the United States, who will offer TimesPoints on purchases. We are very pleased to continue our long-term relationship with The New York Times with this exciting new initiative."

To register for TimesPoints or to learn more, please visit www.timespoints.com.

About The New York Times Company

The New York Times Company (NYSE: NYT), a leading media company with 2004 revenues of $3.3 billion, includes The New York Times, the International Herald Tribune, The Boston Globe, 15 other daily newspapers, nine network-affiliated television stations, two New York City radio stations and 35 Web sites, including NYTimes.com, Boston.com and About.com. For the fifth consecutive year, the Company was ranked No. 1 in the publishing industry in Fortune's 2005 list of America's Most Admired Companies. The Company's core purpose is to enhance society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news, information and entertainment.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex Marketing International Inc. is a leading marketing services company, specializing in integrated marketing solutions for its Merchant and Channel Partner clients. Advantex offers a range of products and services including coalition loyalty rewards programs, online shopping malls, direct marketing, online and email promotion, and data capture and award processing systems. Advantex loyalty partners include airlines, financial institutions, daily newspapers and other major North American corporations, as well as a growing list of restaurants, retailers, golf courses, small inns and resorts. Advantex is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "ADX". For additional information on Advantex, please visit www.advantex.com.

About Rewards Network

Rewards Network (AMEX: IRN), headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is a leading provider of loyalty and rewards programs to the restaurant industry. Incentives are offered through the Rewards Network branded program, airline frequent flyer dining programs, club memberships and other affinity organizations. As of September 30, 2005, Rewards Network had 3.5 million active member accounts and 10,259 restaurants in its programs. Additional details about Rewards Network can be found at www.rewardsnetwork.com or by calling Rewards Network at 1-877-491-3463.

This press release can be downloaded from www.nytco.com and www.nytimes/community.com

CONTACT: The New York Times
Diane McNulty, 212-556-5244
mcnuldc@nytimes.com
or
Uchenna Hicks, 212-556-1757
hicksul@nytimes.com
or
Advantex Marketing International
Lisa Levstein, 416-322-6130 ext. 260
lisa.levstein@advantex.com
or
Rewards Network
Chris Curtis, 312-521-6754
ccurtis@rewardsnetwork.com

SOURCE: The New York Times Company