It has been said that the character of Ted Baxter was modeled after Los Angeles newsman George Putnam. Mr. Putnam passed away last week at the age of 94.

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-putnam13-2008sep13,0,6104237.story

He did a radio talk show for many years on KIEV which I listened to on occasion and found informative and entertaining.

RIP George.

Wow. I'd never heard of the fellow, or been aware that he was the inspiration for the Ted Baxter character.
Interesting article; thanks for posting!

Didn't Amelia Earhart marry a guy named George Putnam....