The New York Times has appointed Debra Kamin, a reporter whose work exposed widespread issues within the real estate industry, to its Metro desk as an investigative reporter. The move follows her impactful reporting that led to significant leadership changes at the National Association of Realtors.
In an announcement, Metro editor Nikita Stewart highlighted Kamin's versatile reporting skills and her history of producing high-impact journalism. Kamin will now focus on a broad range of investigative topics across the New York region.
Key Takeaways
- Debra Kamin has been named an investigative reporter for The New York Times' Metro desk.
- Her previous investigations into the real estate industry resulted in the resignation of the National Association of Realtors' president.
- Kamin recently received the 2024 platinum award from the National Association of Real Estate Editors for her work.
- She will report to Michael LaForgia and cover various topics, including real estate and politics in the New York area.
New Investigative Role at Metro Desk
Debra Kamin is transitioning to a new full-time role within The New York Times, joining the Metro desk to focus on investigative journalism. According to an internal memo from Metro editor Nikita Stewart, Kamin will apply her reporting skills to a wide array of subjects throughout the New York region.
Her new beat is expected to include, but not be limited to, real estate and politics. This appointment places her on a team dedicated to in-depth reporting and uncovering significant stories within the city and its surrounding areas. She will work under the direction of Michael LaForgia, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative editor.
The Metro Desk's Focus
The New York Times' Metro section is responsible for covering news, events, and in-depth stories related to New York City and the tristate area. Its investigative team plays a crucial role in holding public and private institutions accountable and has a long history of impactful, award-winning journalism.
A History of High-Impact Journalism
Kamin's appointment comes after a period of distinguished work as a freelance reporter for the paper's Real Estate desk, which she joined three years ago. Her most notable work involved a series of investigations that uncovered pervasive sexual harassment within the real estate industry.
This reporting had significant real-world consequences, directly leading to the resignation of the president of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Her stories also prompted other major structural changes within the influential trade organization, which represents over 1.5 million members.
"Her investigations led to the resignation of the president of the National Association of Realtors and other shakeups within the influential organization," Nikita Stewart noted in her announcement.
The power of her work has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards. Her efforts have been lauded for bringing accountability to a powerful sector and giving a voice to those affected.
Industry Recognition and Awards
For her groundbreaking series on the real estate industry, Kamin has received significant accolades. These awards underscore the importance and quality of her investigative efforts.
Key Awards
- 2024 Platinum Award: The highest honor from the National Association of Real Estate Editors (NAREE), recognizing her investigation into the NAR.
- Newswomen’s Club Award: An additional honor celebrating her contributions to journalism.
These awards highlight her ability to conduct deep, source-driven reporting that effects change. The Times memo expressed excitement about bringing this proven talent to the Metro desk's investigative unit.
Kamin’s Path to The Times
Before making her mark on the Real Estate desk, Kamin built a long and varied career in journalism. Her experience spans international correspondence and work with multiple major news outlets.
For nearly a decade, she served as a stringer based in Tel Aviv. During this time, she reported for a variety of esteemed publications, demonstrating her ability to cover complex international stories.
Her work from the Middle East appeared in:
- The New York Times
- The Wall Street Journal
- The Atlantic
- Foreign Policy
- Newsweek
This extensive experience as a foreign correspondent provided her with a strong foundation in rigorous reporting and narrative storytelling. Her career at The Times also includes a prior role as an editorial assistant in the syndication department, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the news organization's operations.
Future Expectations and Contributions
The leadership at The New York Times has high expectations for Kamin's contributions to the Metro desk. Stewart's announcement praised her wide-ranging skill set, which goes beyond traditional investigative work.
"Debra Kamin is the rare reporter who can and will do it all: a deeply reported investigation, a visually driven narrative, an engaging trend story and a fun quiz," Stewart wrote. "We expect her versatility and curiosity to be a boon to the desk."
The memo concluded by expressing anticipation for more scoops, investigations, and other forms of compelling journalism from Kamin in her new capacity. Her appointment is seen as a strategic addition to strengthen the paper's local and regional coverage with a reporter known for producing work that is both insightful and impactful.