ITEMGLYPH<160>1A.GLYPH<160>RISKGLYPH<160>FACTORS You should carefully consider the risk factors described below, as well as the other information included in this  Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely  affected by any or all of these risks, or by other risks or uncertainties not presently known or currently deemed  immaterial, that may adversely affect us in the future.  We face significant competition in all aspects of our business.  We operate in a highly competitive environment. Our print and digital products compete for advertising and  circulation revenue with both traditional and new content providers. This competition has intensified as a result of  the continued development of new digital media technologies and new media providers offering online news and  other content. Competition among companies offering online content is intense, and new competitors can quickly  emerge. Some of our current and potential competitors may have greater resources or better competitive positions in  certain areas than we do. These factors may allow our competitors to respond more effectively than us to new  technologies and changes in market conditions.  Our ability to compete effectively depends on many factors both within and beyond our control, including  among others:  Our success depends on our ability to respond and adapt to changes in technology and consumer behavior. Technology in the media industry continues to evolve rapidly. Advances in technology have led to an increasing  number of methods for the delivery and consumption of news and other content. These developments are driving  changes in consumer behavior as consumers seek more control over the ways in which they consume content. Unless  we are able to use new and existing technologies to distinguish our products and services from those of our  competitors and develop in a timely manner compelling new products and services that engage users across  platforms, our business, financial condition and prospects may be adversely affected. Changes in technology and consumer behavior pose a number of challenges that could adversely affect our  revenues and competitive position. For example, among others:  THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 7 •  we may be unable to develop products for mobile devices or other digital platforms that consumers find  engaging, that work with a variety of operating systems and networks and that achieve a high level of market  acceptance; •  there may be changes in user sentiment about the quality or usefulness of our existing products; •  news aggregation websites and customized news feeds may reduce our traffic levels by creating a  disincentive for users to visit our websites or use our digital products; •  failure to successfully manage changes in search engine optimization and social media traffic to increase our  digital presence and visibility may reduce our traffic levels; •  technical or other problems could prevent us from delivering our products in a rapid and reliable manner or  otherwise affect the user experience; •  our reputation and brand strength relative to those of our competitors. •  our ability to manage and grow our operations in a cost-effective manner; and •  our ability to attract, retain, and motivate talented journalists and other employees and executives; •  the maintenance and development of relevant print products in an environment that is increasingly digitally  focused; •  the engagement of our readers with our print and digital products; •  the popularity, usefulness, ease of use, performance, and reliability of our digital products compared with our  competitors’ products; •  our ability to monetize new and existing print and digital products; •  our ability to continue to deliver high-quality journalism and content that is interesting and relevant to our  audience;