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Warren Buffett Invests $500M in The New York Times

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 23:22 GMT by KOB 4
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 18th, 2026 - In a move that has sent ripples through the media landscape, Berkshire Hathaway, led by legendary investor Warren Buffett, announced today a substantial investment of over $500 million in The New York Times Company. This decision marks a remarkable turnaround for Buffett, coming just six years after he divested entirely from the newspaper industry, selling off all of Berkshire Hathaway's newspaper holdings in 2020. The investment, comprising both Class A and Class B shares, is being hailed as a strong endorsement of The New York Times' successful digital transformation.

For decades, Buffett was a major player in the newspaper business, acquiring titles across the country through his company, BH Media Group. However, recognizing the headwinds facing traditional print media - declining readership, plummeting advertising revenue, and the rise of digital news sources - Buffett orchestrated a gradual exit, believing the long-term prospects for newspapers were bleak. He repeatedly stated concerns about the industry's ability to adapt to the digital age and generate sustainable profits.

Today's announcement, therefore, represents a significant shift in his perspective. The New York Times, unlike many of its peers, has not only survived but thrived in the digital era. The company has implemented a highly successful subscription model, focusing on quality journalism and a compelling digital experience. As of late 2025, The New York Times boasts over 9 million digital subscribers - a figure virtually unheard of in the industry just a decade ago. This growth has been fueled by a diversified digital portfolio that includes news, cooking (NYT Cooking), games (NYT Games), audio (The Daily podcast, and now a rapidly expanding suite of audio documentaries and series), and product reviews (Wirecutter).

The $500 million investment will primarily be used to accelerate the company's ongoing digital initiatives. These include further development of its personalized news recommendation algorithms, expansion of its video content offerings, exploration of artificial intelligence applications for content creation and distribution, and continued investment in new digital product lines. Sources within The New York Times Company indicate that a significant portion of the funding will be allocated to enhancing the user experience across all platforms, making it even more seamless and engaging for subscribers.

Analysts believe Buffett's decision isn't merely about the financial success of The New York Times, but also about the company's cultural and societal importance. "Buffett isn't just buying a business; he's investing in an institution," says media analyst Eleanor Vance of TechInsights Group. "The New York Times remains a critical source of information and investigative journalism in a world increasingly plagued by misinformation and 'fake news.' Buffett likely sees the long-term value in supporting a publication that prioritizes truth and accuracy."

The contrast between Buffett's previous divestment and this new investment highlights the stark realities of the evolving media landscape. While many newspapers struggled to adapt, The New York Times demonstrably proved that a commitment to quality, coupled with a willingness to embrace digital innovation, can unlock a path to sustainability. The company's success provides a blueprint for other news organizations hoping to navigate the challenges of the 21st century.

This investment also signals a broader trend of renewed interest in quality journalism from influential investors. There's a growing recognition that a well-informed public is essential for a functioning democracy, and that supporting reputable news organizations is a worthwhile endeavor.

Looking ahead, The New York Times aims to further diversify its revenue streams beyond subscriptions. They are actively exploring partnerships with educational institutions to provide access to their extensive archive of articles and data. They are also experimenting with new advertising models that prioritize user privacy and relevance. With Berkshire Hathaway's backing, The New York Times is well-positioned to continue its digital transformation and solidify its position as a leading global media company. The return of Warren Buffett, the man who once doubted the future of newspapers, is a potent symbol of The New York Times' remarkable journey and its potential for continued success.