New York Times $2,375,000 California Renewal Settlement is Open for Claims

The New York Times Company has agreed to pay $2,375,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged violations of California law by automatically renewing its customers’ subscriptions and charging customers’ payment methods without providing the disclosures and authorizations required by California law. This settlement aims to compensate affected customers and ensure compliance with California's automatic renewal laws.

Can I Claim an Award?

To qualify as a class member you must meet the following criteria:

• Enrolled in a New York Times subscription (digital, print, or standalone) directly through the New York Times
• Enrolled between June 17, 2016, and May 12, 2021
• California billing address and/or delivery zip code at the time of enrollment in the subscription.
• Directly billed by the New York Times

If you meet all these criteria, you are considered a Class Member and are eligible to claim an award from the settlement.

What Can I Get from the Settlement?

Class Members who submit valid claims will receive a pro rata cash payment from the $2,375,000 Settlement Fund. Class Counsel estimates this payment to be approximately $136.77 per Class Member. The exact amount each Class Member will receive depends on the number of valid and approved claims and standard settlement costs like the administrator's fee and class counsel fees.

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Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof is required to claim the reward. Class Members need to include their address associated with their NYT subscription. The Claim Administrator will verify the address prior to approving the award.

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you must complete and submit a valid Claim Form by August 19, 2024. You can submit the Claim Form online or you can download a paper Claim Form, fill it out, and mail it to the address provided on the form.

How do I Get Paid?

Class Members who submit valid Claim Forms by the deadline will receive their payment in the form of a check. The checks will be mailed to the address provided on the Claim Form.

$2,375,000 Settlement Fund Breakdown

The total settlement fund of $2,375,000 will be used to compensate Class Members, cover the costs of administering the settlement, inform people about the settlement, pay attorneys’ fees, and provide an award to the Class Representative.

Class Counsel will seek no more than one-third of the Settlement Fund for attorneys’ fees and costs. The Court may award less than this amount. Subject to Court approval, the Class Representative may receive up to $5,000 from the Settlement Fund.

Important Dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: August 19, 2024
• Final Approval Hearing Date: October 4, 2024

Why is There a Class Action Settlement?

This class action settlement arises from allegations that the New York Times Company violated California law by automatically renewing its customers’ subscriptions and charging customers’ payment methods without providing the required disclosures and obtaining the necessary authorizations. The New York Times denies these claims and contends that it did not do anything wrong.

Both parties agreed to settle the lawsuit to avoid the uncertainties and expenses associated with ongoing litigation. By settling, Class Members will receive compensation sooner rather than after the completion of a trial, if at all. The Court has not decided in favor of either party but has preliminarily approved the settlement as fair, reasonable, and adequate.