Who thinks that? As far as I can tell, it has always been a glorified lifestyle magazine and a tawdry mouthpiece for American oligarchy. (Though it has become shamelessly blatant in its methods in recent years.)
* A newspaper of record is a major newspaper with large circulation whose editorial and news-gathering functions are considered authoritative. It may also refer to a newspaper that has been authorised to publish public or legal notices, thus serving as a newspaper of public record.*
* The New York Times Building in New York City, United States; some meanings of the term "newspaper of record" originated in reference to The New York Times.*
It was once the preeminent newspaper in America.