Ted Baxter Suspended for On-Air Remarks About Gov. Palin, WJM Anchorman Asks Viewers “Who Can Turn the World on With Her Smile?”

ST. PAUL - WJM anchorman Ted Baxter was suspended by station management yesterday for remarks he made on the air that accompanied a video montage assembled during Alaskan Governor Palin’s visit to this city over the past three days. 

Some of the clips included footage of Governor Palin driving along a Twin Cities interstate, enthusiastically hugging WJM employees during a visit to the newsroom, and casually throwing what appeared to be some sort of breakfast container into a shopping cart.

The video concluded with Governor Palin running into a downtown street and tossing her cap into the air.

As the footage was broadcast, Mr. Baxter provided a voice-over commentary.  “Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile.  Well, it’s you, girl, and you should know it.  With each glance and every movement you show it.”  He concluded his remarks by asserting that “love is all around, no need to waste it,” and pleaded with her to be more aggressive. ”You can have a town, why don’t you take it?” he asked.  A smiling Mr. Baxter concluded his presentation by assuring viewers that Governor Palin was going to make it after all.

A spokesman for the FCC said the agency was investigating whether the long-time WJM employee may have violated the fairness doctrine.  Calls to WJM station manager Lou Grant were not returned.

Sep 5

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