NEW YORK, January 21, 2011 – The New York Times's celebrated TimesTalks series will feature “A Conversation with C.I.A. Director Leon Panetta” on Monday, Feb. 28 at at 7 p.m. at The TimesCenter, 242 West 41st Street. Mr. Panetta will join New York Times chief Washington correspondent, David E. Sanger , to discuss C.I.A. efforts around the world and to explore some of the challenges currently facing the American intelligence community, including the evolving threat from al Qaeda, the standoff over Iran's nuclear program and tensions on the Korean peninsula. The event will be presented in collaboration with the Aspen Security Forum .

For additional information or to purchase advance tickets, which are $30 each plus service fees, call 1.888.NYT.1870 or visit www.TimesTalks.com.

“For more than ten years, the TimesTalks series has been bringing the pages of The Times to life with discussions on timely topics from world and national affairs to culture and entertainment,” said Yasmin Namini, senior vice president, marketing and circulation, and general manager, reader applications, The New York Times Media Group. “With this event, we are kicking off 2011 with what is sure to be an engaging and informative discussion on international security and global challenges.”

“A Conversation with C.I.A. Director Leon Panetta” will stream live on the Internet for audiences to view in real time, E.S.T., at www.livestream.com/nytimes or www. facebook.com/timestalks.

Since 1998, the TimesTalks conversation series has brought members of The Times's prize-winning editing, reporting and writing staff together with celebrated talents and thinkers in thought-provoking and entertaining discussions before live audiences. The topics cover a wide variety of interests reflective of The Times's in-depth coverage, including politics, world affairs, books, movies, television, art, fashion and sports.

About The New York Times Company

The New York Times Company (NYSE: NYT), a leading media company with 2009 revenues of $2.4 billion, includes The New York Times, the International Herald Tribune, The Boston Globe, 15 other daily newspapers and more than 50 Web sites, including NYTimes.com, Boston.com and About.com. The Company's core purpose is to enhance society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news, information and entertainment.

Contacts: Kristin Mason, 212-556-4059; masonkm@nytimes.com

Brett Oberman, 212-764-7900; brett@ksa-pr.com

This press release can be downloaded from www.nytco.com