Ted Baxter is a fictional character on the
sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977). Portrayed by
Ted Knight, the Baxter character is a broad parody of a vain, shallow, buffoonish TV newsman. Knight's comedic model was
William Powell, and he also drew on various Los Angeles newscasters, including
George Putnam, in helping shape the character. The role was originally conceived with
Jack Cassidy in mind but Cassidy turned it down, although he did appear in an early episode as Ted's equally egocentric brother Hal. Ted Baxter has become a symbolic figure, and is often used when criticizing media figures, particularly news anchors hired for style and appearance rather than journalistic ability.