NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 10, 2002--The New York Times increased its daily and Sunday circulation, posting the largest circulation gains in more than 10 years, for the six-month period ending March 31, 2002 (according to figures filed by the newspaper with the Audit Bureau of Circulations, subject to audit).

Daily circulation rose by 43,444 copies or 3.8%, reaching a net paid circulation of 1,194,491. Sunday circulation rose 40,921 or 2.4% for a net paid circulation of 1,735,059. These are the largest increases The Times has reported for any ABC period since 1991.

"The incredible news events of this year have brought a heightened interest in and appreciation for the depth and breadth of New York Times coverage," said Scott Heekin-Canedy, senior vice president of circulation for the newspaper. "We continue to see circulation increases that reflect the value that people place on Times reporting."

This week the newspaper was awarded an unprecedented seven pulitzer prizes, including six for its news coverage of the terrorist attack of September 11 and its aftermath, and another for beat reporting on Wall Street, bringing the newspaper's total Pulitzer Prizes to 88, more than any other news organization.

"Availability and demand are rising across the country as the newspaper continues its national expansion with the recent addition of another new print site in Columbia, Missouri, the seventh new contract print site we've opened since 1999," added Heekin-Canedy. "This follows on the heels of last week's launch of a new Friday section, `Escapes,' and a significantly enlarged and enhanced national edition."

The Times is the nation's largest seven-day newspaper. It is currently available in 210 markets, up from 62 five years ago and is now sold at more than 45,000 newsstand and retail outlets across the country.

Effective with the March 2002 Publisher's Statement period, The New York Times is converting to ABC'S "National Newspaper" reporting format, which is used by newspapers with nationwide distribution. This format should help provide more timely data on The Times's expanding national readership and will be more comparable to statements issued by other national publications. The Times will provide traditional New York Market data through the Statement Plus option available from ABC.

The New York Times Company (NYSE: NYT), a leading media company with 2001 revenues of $3.0 billion, publishes The New York Times, The Boston Globe and 16 other newspapers; owns eight network-affiliated television stations and two New York radio stations; and has more than 40 Web sites, including NYTimes.com and Boston.com. In 2002 the Company was ranked No. 1 in the publishing industry in Fortune's list of America's Most Admired Companies. Among all 530 companies on the list, the Company ranked No. 1 in quality of products/services and No. 1 in social responsibility. The Company's core purpose is to enhance society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news, information and entertainment. This press release can be downloaded from www.nytco.com

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