The New York Times vs Webedia

8-K Financial Filing Analysis for The New York Times (2026-09-09)

On September 9, 2026, The New York Times Company reported that Jacqueline Welch will step down as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, effective January 1, 2027. Ms. Welch will receive severance benefits under the Executive Severance Plan subject to executing a general release of claims and adhering to restrictive covenants. Additionally, she meets the age and service criteria for retirement eligibility under long-term performance awards granted pursuant to the 2020 Incentive Compensation Plan.

• Jacqueline Welch will step down as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer effective January 1, 2027.
• Severance benefits will be provided under the Executive Severance Plan subject to a standard release of claims and restrictive covenants.
• Ms. Welch qualifies for 'Retirement' treatment under the 2020 Incentive Compensation Plan for her long-term performance awards.

NYT AI licensing principles: value, sustainability, control

At the Digiday Publishing Summit, Adam Greenberg, VP of strategic partnerships at The New York Times, discussed the evolving AI content licensing landscape for publishers. He noted that AI companies now increasingly compensate publishers or allow opt-outs, but called emerging AI marketplaces 'underdeveloped' and predicted they will take time to mature. Greenberg outlined The Times' three core principles for evaluating AI licensing deals: a fair value exchange, partnership sustainability beyond one-time payments, and control over content usage. He mentioned that the partnerships team has doubled to 10 people since he joined, and cited the AI licensing deal with Amazon as an example that meets these criteria. Greenberg declined to disclose other existing partnerships, noting that few deals have been signed due to the strict conditions.

• Adam Greenberg is VP of strategic partnerships at The New York Times.
• The NYT partnerships team has doubled to 10 people since Greenberg joined last summer.
• The NYT evaluates AI licensing deals based on three core principles: value exchange, sustainability, and control.

Unsealed OpenAI, Microsoft Emails Intensify NYT AI Lawsuit, Spur Options Activity

Newly unsealed statements from Microsoft and OpenAI executives have intensified The New York Times' copyright lawsuit against the AI companies, threatening their 'fair use' defense. The statements allegedly include an OpenAI executive acknowledging an 'existential threat' to journalism, Greg Brockman's 2017 comments on potential earnings, and Microsoft's Brent Hecht describing the training as 'the largest theft of labor in human history.' The unsealed material also allegedly reveals that OpenAI exploited hacks to bypass the Times' paywall. These findings have increased the likelihood of a massive settlement or a Times victory, sparking options traders to place bullish call spreads on NYT stock ahead of a potential summary judgment or settlement. The Department of Justice has filed a statement of interest supporting fair use, citing national security concerns.

• Unsealed statements from Microsoft and OpenAI executives threaten the fair-use defense in The New York Times' lawsuit.
• OpenAI allegedly copied millions of copyrighted articles for training, possibly exploiting hacks to bypass the Times' paywall.
• Microsoft's Brent Hecht reportedly described the training as 'the largest theft of labor in human history.'

JUSTINE PLANCHON JOINS THE WEBEDIA-ELEPHANT GROUP, IN CHARGE OF PRODUCTION AND CREATORS

The Webedia-Elephant group announces the appointment of Justine Planchon to the position of Deputy CEO, in charge of Production, Creators and...

Sparteo Appoints Antoine Hermite as Managing Director

Sparteo, a provider of AI-powered contextual advertising solutions, has appointed Antoine Hermite as Managing Director to lead its international growth initiatives. Hermite brings extensive experience from his previous role at Webedia, where he held a senior executive position. This strategic hire underscores Sparteo's commitment to expanding its global footprint and enhancing its market position in the advertising technology sector. The appointment is part of Sparteo's broader strategy to strengthen its leadership team and drive innovation in contextual advertising.

• Sparteo appointed Antoine Hermite as Managing Director.
• Hermite is a former Webedia executive.
• The appointment aims to drive Sparteo's international growth.