This final note on the way out today: two media items worth a mention.

No matter where you come down on CNBC’s Republican debate Wednesday night, it was interesting to say the least. 

Reince Priebus, the head of the Republican National Committee, doesn’t think so, though.

He sent a letter to the head of NBC News Friday afternoon, saying the RNC is suspending its participation in a February debate scheduled to air on NBC.

CNBC announced record ratings and profit for Wednesday’s broadcast (for them).

Also, ESPN announced today it’s suspending its sports and culture site Grantland. 

I’ll quote a tweet from David Leonhardt of the New York Times, and a friend of this show: 

“As a reader, I’m mostly saddened by the ways that ESPN has decided to retreat from journalism,” he said.