The Big Bend Sentinel updated the headline on its recent story about the Hotel Paisano after questions were raised about whether the property had been sold or was still under contract, according to messages reviewed by Big Bend Times.
Big Bend Times first reported on the pending transaction one day earlier, publishing a detailed article identifying the prospective buyer and outlining plans associated with the deal before the Sentinel’s initial report appeared.
The Sentinel’s office is located within walking distance of the Hotel Paisano, one of the most prominent and economically significant businesses in Marfa. Big Bend Times editor David Flash reported the story while traveling in Moldova and Rome on assignment for Texas Reporter, a related news outlet focused on Texas developments with an international perspective.
The Sentinel story initially circulated on social media with wording indicating the historic hotel had sold to new owners. However, communications between editors show there was disagreement at the time over whether the transaction had closed.
In a text exchange, Flash responded to a shared preview of the Sentinel article by stating, “Not sold. Under contract.”
A reply attributed to Sentinel editor Rod D’Amico stated, “My publisher said that was stupid to lead with, so whatever. It’s sold.”
The Sentinel later changed its headline to: “Sales deal in the works for Hotel Paisano.”
The revised wording reflects a pending transaction rather than a completed sale.
The messages indicate that concerns about accuracy were raised before the headline was updated. The Sentinel has not publicly issued an editor’s note explaining the change.
Real estate transactions involving commercial or historic properties often include extended periods between contract execution and closing, during which ownership has not yet transferred.
The episode highlights both the competitive dynamics among regional media outlets and the importance of precision in headlines, particularly in smaller markets where developments can spread quickly through social media and headlines may be the only portion many readers see.
Corrections and headline updates are a routine part of journalism when wording is clarified or additional information becomes available.
