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EXHIBIT 12

THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

(Unaudited)

	For the Years Ended
(In thousands, except ratio)	December 28, 2003		December 29, 2002		December 30, 2001		December 31, 2000		December 26, 1999
Earnings from continuing operations before fixed charges
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and income/loss from joint ventures	$	508,070	$	504,433	$	332,204	$	637,830	$	501,912
Distributed earnings from less than fifty-percent owned affiliates		9,299		6,459		14,859		19,375		13,061
Adjusted pre-tax earnings from continuing operations		517,369		510,892		347,063		657,205		514,973
Fixed charges less capitalized interest		57,752		60,023		64,069		80,876		63,313
Earnings from continuing operations before fixed charges	$	575,121	$	570,915	$	411,132	$	738,081	$	578,286
Fixed charges
Interest expenses, net of capitalized interest	$	46,704	$	48,697	$	51,405	$	68,566	$	52,503
Capitalized interest		4,501		1,662		459		—		—
Portion of rentals representative of interest factor		11,048		11,326		12,664		12,310		10,810
Total fixed charges	$	62,253	$	61,685	$	64,528	$	80,876	$	63,313
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges		9.24		9.26		6.37		9.13		9.13

Note: The Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Form10-K.

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EXHIBIT 12

THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (Unaudited)