Warren Buffett becomes the latest billionaire media investor—his company just invested $352 million in The New York Times

Fortune

by Emma Burleigh

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Warren Buffett, the renowned investor known as the "Oracle of Omaha," has made a significant return to the media industry with a $352 million investment in The New York Times. This move marks a notable shift for Buffett, who had previously exited the newspaper business in 2020 when Berkshire Hathaway sold its 31 publications for $140 million. At the time, Buffett expressed skepticism about the future of print media, citing declining advertising revenues and industry challenges. Buffett's recent purchase of 5.07 million shares in The New York Times reflects a change in his investment strategy and confidence in the company's business model under current leadership. This decision aligns with a broader trend among wealthy investors, including Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, who have also made substantial investments in traditional media outlets. These moves suggest a renewed interest in acquiring stakes in established media empires, despite ongoing challenges in the industry. The investment is significant for several reasons. It signals that even after predicting the decline of print media, Buffett sees potential in The New York Times's strategic direction. This move also highlights the growing influence of billionaires in shaping the media landscape, with many viewing these investments as opportunities to exert influence and secure a foothold in cultural and political spheres. For readers interested in business strategies, this shift underscores the evolving dynamics between media and capital. Buffett's return to media investing not only reflects confidence in The New York Times but also acknowledges the enduring value of high-quality journalism in an increasingly digital world. As more billionaires allocate their fortunes into traditional media, this trend will likely shape the future of news consumption and media ownership, offering insights into both business acumen and cultural influence. In summary, Buffett's $352 million investment in The New York Times represents a strategic pivot for the investor and a notable vote of confidence in the legacy media sector. It joins a growing list of high-profile investments by wealthy figures, signaling a renaissance of sorts for traditional media outlets in an era dominated by digital platforms. This development is particularly significant for those tracking business trends and the evolving role of media

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/19/2026