Times shareholders seek records on editorial oversight

Two shareholder groups have petitioned a New York court for internal records from The New York Times Company, seeking to investigate whether its board adequately oversees editorial standards, particularly in coverage of Israel and Gaza. The Florida State Board of Administration, acting for the Florida Retirement System Trust Fund, and the National Center for Public Policy Research filed the petition in New York County Supreme Court on September 23. They say the company declined to provide records they requested and argue the documents could show how directors monitor journalistic standards and respond to complaints. The filing seeks records; it does not ask the court to rule on whether the newspaper’s coverage was biased. The petition relies in part on the account of a former Times employee who, shareholders allege, raised concerns about antisemitism and anti-Israel bias at least 15 times beginning in 2019. The groups say her complaints were not adequately addressed. They also cite an alleged response from a human resources representative suggesting she find an employer whose values aligned with hers.