Christian Radio Show to Examine Swaggart Fallout

The impact of the Jimmy Swaggart scandal on religious broadcasters and their followers will be discussed on “Prime Time With Joe Ortiz� March 19 on KPZE (1190-AM), the Anaheim-based Christian station announced.

From 1 to 3 p.m., Ortiz will interview six panelists on the psychological and organizational fallout from the recent revelations of sexual misconduct by Swaggart, an Assemblies of God televangelist.

KPZE General Manager Bill Gudelman said his station’s revenues from nationally syndicated programs have dropped 15% since the March, 1987, allegations about Jim Bakker’s sexual activities and about mismanagement of the PTL telecast empire.

The March 19 panelists will include Mike O’Brien, pastor of Highland Park Foursquare Church; Dick Druary, missions pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, and William Diehm, a Christian psychologist who deals with sexual problems of charismatic preachers.

Also appearing will be Al Juarez, an aide to Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, discussing the lay community’s reactions; Al Gross, a KPZE talk show host, and Tim Berends, a former KPZE broadcaster.