The Influence of Trinity Broadcasting Network

Recently, the Los Angeles Times published articles concerning the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) and its president and founders Paul and Jan Crouch.

Paul and Jan were, as Ironside the political theorist would say, “framed.” Framing, as many people know, is a theory that a reporter or newspaper may have a particular slant or perspective to the story being reported. In this instance, The Times has maligned the character of Paul and Jan Crouch and the TBN family. In fact, The Times also has demonstrated a naivete toward the way individuals and large organizations operate.

A few disgruntled former employees out of 450 employees does not demonstrate a major problem. And this in-house situation does not have the journalistic merits to be covered on the front page of one of the largest newspapers in the nation.

On many occasions I have had the opportunity to be a guest of TBN. On each of these occasions, Paul and Jan were warm, considerate and genuinely concerned with my well-being. Their staff conducts itself in a similar fashion. In fact, the upbeat attitude of the employees of the TBN headquarters in Santa Ana is easily recognized by all who visit the station.

Paul and Jan also have deep heartfelt convictions regarding the general community. They have programs that reach out to the poor and disadvantaged. They are also keenly aware of current civic issues that affect the family, education and our nation as a whole.

I would hope that in the future The Times would conduct a closer examination of the facts and present these facts in a clear and unbiased fashion.

The Rev. LOUIS P. SHELDON

Chairman, Traditional Values Coalition

Anaheim