George Putnam, TV news figure was 94

L.A. Radio.com reports that George Putnam died this morning, citing Putnam's long-time friend and producer Chuck Wilder. Putnam moved to Los Angeles in 1951 and quickly became the city's dominant TV news personality. At various times he anchored the news at KTTV channel 11, KTLA 5, KCOP 13, and KHJ 9. He was replaced at Channel 5 by Hal Fishman, and apparently always resented it. Often mocked for his old-fashioned style, Putnam was the inspiration for the Ted Baxter character on TV's "Mary Tyler Moore Show" in the 1970s. He was a regular equestrian in the Rose Parade, but he became best known as a conservative patriot commentator, including a long run hosting "Talk Back" on various radio stations. Here is his column at Newsmax and a history story from 2003 by Roger M. Grace at the Metropolitan News that says "there has never been a more popular and influential newsman in Los Angeles television than Putnam."