QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration No. 333-97199


Pricing Supplement No. 1 Dated September 23, 2002 to Prospectus dated
August 6, 2002 and Prospectus Supplement Dated September 17, 2002


The New York Times Company
Medium-Term Notes
(Fixed Rate)

Due more than nine months from date of issue.

Principal Amount:   $75,000,000
Price to Public:   100.000%
Agent's Commission:   0.530%
Net Proceeds to Issuer:   $74,602,500
Selling Agents:   Banc of America Securities LLC
    Banc One Capital Markets, Inc.
    J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
Original Issue Date:   September 26, 2002
Coupon Rate:   4.610%
Interest Payment Dates:   February 15 and August 15, commencing February 15, 2003
Stated Maturity Date:   September 26, 2012
Regular Record Dates:   February 1 and August 1
Specified Currency:   US Dollars
Redeemable by this Company:   No
Redemption Commencement Date:   Not Applicable
Redemption Price:   Not Applicable
Redemption Period:   Not Applicable
Repayable at the option of Holder:   No
Repayment Dates:   Not Applicable
Repayment Prices:   Not Applicable
Form:    
    ý    Global Notes
    o    Certified
Discount Rate:   None
Default Rate:   None

Other Provisions:

        The aggregate principal amount of this offering is $75,000,000 and relates only to Pricing Supplement No. 1. Notes may be issued by The New York Times Company in the aggregate principal amount of up to $300,000,000 or its equivalent in one or more currencies or composite currencies. To date, including this offering, an aggregate of $75,000,000 of Notes is outstanding.





QuickLinks

Pricing Supplement No. 1 Dated September 23, 2002 to Prospectus dated August 6, 2002 and Prospectus Supplement Dated September 17, 2002
The New York Times Company Medium-Term Notes (Fixed Rate)