R
eal estate reporters Debra Kamin of The New York Times and Nicole Friedman of The Wall Street Journal shared their insights on covering the residential real estate industry at the T3 Leadership Summit in May. They discussed the challenges of reporting for a large, general audience and explained their fact-checking and editorial processes.

    To capture the attention of a broad audience, Kamin emphasized the importance of making complex stories accessible and informative. Friedman added that reporters must prioritize what matters most to their readers, asking themselves why a story is relevant now and what are its broader implications.

    Both journalists have reported on contentious topics, including acquisition talks and sexual harassment in the real estate industry. They acknowledged that their reporting can elicit strong reactions, but they stand behind their work, citing thorough sourcing and a commitment to fairness and honesty.

    Kamin and Friedman highlighted the rigorous review process at their respective publications. At The Wall Street Journal, every person mentioned or named in a story receives a heads-up and an opportunity to respond. At The New York Times, each story is reviewed by at least two editors, sometimes more, before publication.

    The journalists emphasized that their goal is not to sensationalize but to provide accurate information that affects readers' lives. As Kamin noted, "If your mom tells you she loves you, make sure you fact-check it." This motto underscores the importance of verifying information and being open to new discoveries in journalism.