I get most of my news from cable or the 'net (a lot of it from FR). I occasionally catch a big 3 newscast, but not often. But I'm not surprised that Harry Smith did a good job -- just like Bob Schieffer, the interim anchor between Rather and Couric, did at CBS. He also happened to get better ratings than either.
There's no school like the old school.
One occasional exception to my generally network-news-free diet is CBS' Sunday Morning. Their quiet, low-key approach to news is perfect for before that first cup of coffee, as is Charles Osgood, another member of the old school. Osgood follows in the footsteps of the late Charles Kuralt.
Oh yes, Charles Osgood is a great fit for the unique program—I know my father enjoys him as much as he did Kuralt.