Following the News and Observer which in turn follows the News and Record, the New York Times announced blog inclusive projects in two different announcements. First in the reorganization of their Business Section:

On Mondays, Business Day will focus on media and marketing news, with technology included as it relates to those industries. David Carr will write a column on new media; the world of blogs will be covered as a regular feature. [emphasis added]

Second, in an Editor and Publisher article, we learn:

An internal committee at The New York Times has recommended steps to increase readers’ confidence in the newspaper, including reducing errors, increasing coverage of religion, “rural areas” and “middle America,” making reporters and editors more accessible, and possibly starting a blog. [emphasis added]

and

Recommendation #4 reads: “Consider creating a Times blog that promotes interaction with readers.”