The buzz in the TV world today is the release of a New Yorker article by Ken Auletta on Dan Rather, in which the outgoing anchor of the CBS Evening News is ripped by network stalwarts like Don Hewitt, Andy Rooney and Walter Cronkite.

I haven't had an opportunity to pick up the magazine yet, but here's some excerpts from a New York Daily News article:

"He's not as easy to watch as [Peter] Jennings or [Tom] Brokaw," said "60 Minutes" correspondent Mike Wallace in this week's The New Yorker magazine.

"He's uptight and occasionally contrived. ... It's his style, and it's been a very effective style. God knows, I believe him. But I don't find him as satisfying to watch," Wallace said.

Legendary anchor Walter Cronkite, who recommended Rather for a job years ago, told the magazine he preferred watching Brokaw - who retired last year - because Rather looked like he was "showboating" - playing the part of a reporter on TV.

And "60 Minutes" creator Don Hewitt, who likes watching Jennings, said America is voting against Rather with its remote controls.

"If you're in a three-network race and you come in third, then the public is against you," Hewitt said.

Cranky "60 Minutes" commentator Andy Rooney told the magazine he believes Rather broadcasts from the road so often because he's ashamed of anchoring - "a dumb job," Rooney said.

I'm going to hold comment until I've read the entire story.