NYT publisher AG Sulzberger on Trump, OpenAi and the economy
Apr 9, 2025
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A.G. Sulzberger, the Publisher of The New York Times, shares insights on the media landscape as it stands in 2025. He discusses the NYT's robust subscriber model that shields it from advertising volatility. Sulzberger bravely tackles the potential press freedoms crisis if Trump were to regain power and elaborates on the NYT's strategy of suing OpenAI over copyright issues. He also reflects on journalism's evolution amid technological changes and emphasizes the importance of robust editorial independence in today's economy.
A.G. Sulzberger expresses concern over escalating anti-press rhetoric, highlighting risks to journalistic integrity and press freedom in the U.S.
The New York Times has successfully transitioned to a reader-supported business model, which strengthens its financial position against economic pressures.
By suing OpenAI for copyright infringement, the Times aims to protect intellectual property rights in the rapidly evolving media landscape influenced by AI.
Deep dives
Press Freedom Concerns
The current state of press freedom in the United States is under threat, particularly in the context of the Trump administration. A.G. Salzberger, the New York Times publisher, expresses concern over the anti-press rhetoric that has escalated recently, drawing parallels to tactics seen in countries like Hungary and India. He highlights that this kind of discourse risks the integrity of journalistic practices and could legitimize government crackdowns on independent media. Salzberger emphasizes the importance of recognizing these patterns in order to prepare and protect the future of press freedom.
Economic Resilience Amidst Turmoil
The New York Times is navigating significant economic challenges while maintaining its long-term strategic focus. Salzberger outlines how the organization has transitioned from an ad-supported model to a reader-supported one, resulting in a more robust financial position. He acknowledges the economic pressures currently facing news organizations but expresses confidence in the Times' financial health and ability to weather market fluctuations. The commitment to innovation and adaptation has positioned the Times to meet both current and future challenges effectively.
Importance of Independent Journalism
Salzberger affirms that independent journalism plays a crucial role in a healthy democracy, asserting that the function of the press is to provide citizens with essential information. He discusses the necessity of maintaining journalistic independence, even when facing external pressures from political entities. The New York Times has prioritized investigative journalism that exposes government misconduct while balancing the responsibility to present unbiased information. This independence, he argues, fosters public trust and democratic engagement by ensuring citizens are well-informed.
Strategic Adjustments in Response to AI
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence poses significant implications for the media landscape, and Salzberger discusses how the New York Times is proactively addressing these changes. The organization has opted to sue OpenAI instead of accepting a financial partnership, asserting that intellectual property rights must be protected against unauthorized use. By embracing technological innovations while safeguarding its own content, the Times seeks to set a precedent for a fair relationship between media and emerging AI technologies. This strategy reflects a commitment to maintaining a sustainable and equitable future for journalism.
Engaging a Diverse Audience
Salzberger highlights an evolving audience at the New York Times, noting a shift towards greater diversity in demographics and interests. As subscriptions have surged to 11 million, the organization aims to reach a broader demographic, particularly in regions like the Midwest and the South. This growth is achieved through adapting content delivery, including leveraging platforms like TikTok and podcasts to engage younger audiences. The Times is focused on building relationships that transcend traditional media, ensuring its relevance in a rapidly changing information landscape.
The New York Times faces the same challenges every other news organization faces in 2025.
But it’s also in way better shape to take those challenges on: Thanks to a business model built on 11 million subscribers, it’s not nearly so worried about things like the fluctuations of the ad business, or changes in Google’s algorithm.
That comparative strength also gives NYT publisher AG Sulzberger the ability to do things his peers can’t or won’t do: Like suing OpenAI for copyright infringement, instead of taking a cash settlement. Or calling out the likelihood of a press crackdown if Donald Trump was re-elected - a call he made in September that looks very prescient today.
We talk through both of those issues in this conversation, and a bunch more - like the role of the NYT opinion section, how willing the Times is to experiment, and how the paper thinks about the economic turmoil we now find ourselves in.
