Media Relations

The New York Times Company To Offer Employees Affordable Personal Computers and Internet Access For Home Use Through Program with PeoplePC

9/14/2000

NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2000 – The New York Times Company announced today that it will offer employees an affordable personal computer, printer and unlimited Internet access for home use through a new program with PeoplePC.

“The digital realm poses a strategic challenge for all industries, and The New York Times Company has undertaken many critical initiatives to ensure our success in the Internet arena,” said Michael Golden, vice chairman and senior vice president of The New York Times Company. “This is another important step. The program will provide an affordable and convenient way for our employees to purchase a personal computer, develop new skills and access information about our Company and its businesses via the Internet.”

The program is funded in part by The New York Times Company and in part through an employee payment of $11.95 per month for 36 months. The complete package offers employees a new, brand-name computer system including a monitor, CD-ROM, speakers, software, printer and unlimited Internet access. Through a special portal, employees will be able to link directly to Times Company information. Approximately 10,000 full-time, active employees based in the United States, as well as some part-time employees, are eligible for this program. Participating employees are expected to begin receiving their home computer systems in December.

To offer this program, The New York Times Company has partnered with PeoplePC, Inc., of San Francisco, a worldwide leader in employee connectivity programs. PeoplePC will provide participating employees IBM computers, Lexmark printers and Internet service from Genuity, formerly GTE or UUNet, an MCI Worldcom company.

“We applaud The New York Times Company for recognizing the importance of enabling employees to get connected in the digital age,” said Nick Grouf, CEO, PeoplePC. “We welcome New York Times employees to the PeoplePC membership experience so they may enjoy all the benefits of our hassle-free computing, handholding customer service, and our unique online and offline membership experience.”

The basic computer will have a 566-MHz Intel Celeron chip, 64 MB of RAM, a 10 GB hard disk for storage, a CD-ROM, software, speakers and a 15-inch color monitor. The printer will be a color inkjet. Employees will also have an opportunity to purchase a more powerful personal computer or to select a laptop computer for an additional cost.

About The New York Times Company

The New York Times Company (NYSE: NYT) is a diversified media company including newspapers, magazines, television and radio stations, and electronic information and publishing. The Company’s core purpose is to enhance society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news, information and entertainment.

The Company, which had 1999 revenues of $3.1 billion, publishes The New York Times, The Boston Globe and 18 other newspapers; publishes four magazines, including Golf Digest; operates eight network-affiliated television stations and owns two New York City radio stations. It also operates news, photo and graphics services as well as news and feature syndicates. A division of the Company, New York Times Digital, operates Internet properties such as NYTimes.com, Boston.com and NYToday.com. The Company holds interests in one newsprint mill, one supercalendered paper mill and the International Herald Tribune S.A.S.

About PeoplePC

PeoplePC’s (NASDAQ: PEOP) mission is to provide people with a comprehensive online solution that makes it easier, more convenient and more affordable for people to participate in the digital economy. PeoplePC offers members a new, brand-name computer system, unlimited Internet access, in-home technical service and a value-packed online buying community -- all for a low monthly payment over three years. PeoplePC, a global leader in corporate connectivity and Wired Workforce programs, also provides enterprises with an integrated solution that scales easily and quickly, requires little additional infrastructure investment and provides the enterprise's employees, customers and affiliated parties with the same convenience, quality assurance and valuable benefits enjoyed by all PeoplePC members. For more information, visit http://www.peoplepc.com.

Media Contact:
Jennifer M. Paperman
PeoplePC, Inc.
415-901-6862
jpaperman@peoplepchq.com

Investor Relations:
Kelly Close
PeoplePC, Inc.
415-901-6731
kclose@peoplepchq.com