The Times Celebrates 175 Years in Times Square

New York Times Publisher AG Sulzberger discusses The Times's legacy in Times Square and around the world on New Year's Eve. Mohamed Sadek

To mark the beginning of our 175th anniversary, The New York Times returned to the heart of a tradition we helped create - the New Year's Eve ball drop.

The Times Square Alliance invited our Chairman and Publisher, AG Sulzberger, to take the stage and commemorate The Times's legacy. Sulzberger reflected on the vision of Adolph S. Ochs, his great-great grandfather.

"In an era when newspapers were tied to political parties, [Ochs] believed that newspapers should be independent and serve only the public," Sulzberger said. "He made a famous pledge that The New York Times would 'give the news impartially, without fear or favor.' That approach was successful enough that he soon built a massive new headquarters."

On New Year's Eve 1904, Ochs sought a spectacular way to draw attention to The Times. As the clock struck midnight, The Times launched a massive fireworks show from the roof. Three years later, to appease the fire department, The Times replaced the fireworks with the first ball drop, and a worldwide tradition was born.

Over the course of its anniversary celebrations this year, The Times will continue to reflect on the impact and value of independent reporting through special features, events and company initiatives that showcase how essential independent reporting is to our society.

"We believe the country needs expert reporters on the ground - asking questions, gathering facts and sharing what they find with the public. The free press is the only profession mentioned by name in the Constitution; it is a big part of why America has been so successful over the last 250 years. We are proud that The Times has been the country's paper of record for most of that history, and we plan to be here reporting the news and covering the big events of the future," Sulzberger said.

Watch the video below featuring snapshots of our reporting over time and our history with New Year's Eve.