Lest it go without comment, Byron York’s departure from National Review is sad news, though by his account, mutual and entirely amicable. York’s reportage helped NR really step up its coverage of politics, rather than contribute analysis. In the NR Washington Bureau, York does leaves behind a few excellent reporters in his wake — Mark Hemingway (yet another Spectator alum) and David Freddoso (whose first book was a New York Times Bestseller, and who is getting married this week).

He’s also set an excellent example, not only for his colleagues (who have plenty of excellent examples anyway), but for young writers looking to find their place in journalism. Whenever a big name like York goes from a conservative magazine to a mainstream print publication, it should be viewed as a positive development for both. Conservative reporting mustn’t be limited to the conservative publishing ghetto where the mainstream press isn’t likely to look (or look with respect). It’s a testament to the quality of his reporting that he is so widely cited in spite of being ideologically affiliated. When York was writing for AmSpec, this was the case. The man has journalistic gravitas.

The DC Examiner has recently been ramping up its news coverage and as chief political correspondent, York will undoubtedly pull the Examiner back into competition against Politico. Best of luck to him.