I thought it was odd as well, but I'm not sure that it's sponsored? From my understanding, FTC guidelines necessitate that publications disclose sponsored placements and I imagine The New York Times would be at the forefront of these requirements ... Or am I mistaking?
The NYT content falls well within "free speech" and any attempt to constrain it would backfire horribly regardless of what the laws or regulations say.
Smallet outlets would be a better target, but still likely to backfire.