Dean's Speaker Series | Meredith Kopit Levien | President & CEO, The New York Times Company

Why It Matters

Levien’s roadmap proves that a steadfast focus on quality journalism combined with product‑driven growth can revitalize legacy media, offering a blueprint for profitability and public trust in the digital age.

Key Takeaways

• Times shifted from print to product-driven digital subscriber growth.
• Audience development now integral to journalism, not a separate function.
• Commitment to independent, high‑quality journalism drives business strategy.
• Rebuilt commercial side with cross‑functional product teams, hiring tech talent.
• Clear three‑part strategy: best news, lifestyle products, interconnected experience.

Summary

The Dean’s Speaker Series featured Meredith Kopit Levien, President and CEO of The New York Times Company, who outlined the newsroom’s evolution from a legacy print institution to a digital‑first, product‑driven subscription business.

Levien explained that the hardest internal belief to shift was the separation between journalism and audience development. By integrating audience growth into the editorial workflow and building a formidable product organization—now the second‑largest function after reporting—the Times proved it could expand its engaged audience without compromising quality.

She emphasized that “journalism can’t solve the country’s problems, but the country can’t solve its problems without high‑quality, independent journalism,” and that every business decision ultimately circles back to audience size. She also highlighted the “value and values” mantra, stressing independence as the core brand asset.

The transformation shows that legacy media can achieve sustainable growth through clear, product‑centric strategy, cross‑functional talent acquisition, and unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity—insights crucial for investors, media executives, and MBA students navigating a digital‑first landscape.

Original Description

Meredith Kopit Levien is president and CEO of The New York Times Company, previously serving in a variety of roles, including head of advertising and chief operating officer. She leads the company's global operations and business strategy across all verticals of the company, driving digital transformation and subscriber growth while championing the value of its high-quality, independent journalism. Before joining The Times, she spent five years at Forbes, where she held various roles, including publisher and chief revenue officer.

In a fireside chat, Meredith will discuss her career journey in the media industry, navigating the shift from print to digital news, and how AI is impacting the way users access information & how The Times is evolving to meet these new paradigms. The session will conclude with an audience Q&A.