The role was originally conceived with Jack Cassidy (WOW, Jack would have been a great Ted Baxter) 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.
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.
dang, I hate it when cartoons YAWWWWN