Reporter Recounts Jerry Falwell Interview
Falwell's Denunciation of a Young TV Reporter a Great Moment
Back in May 1981, Rev. Falwell came to Topeka, KS to stage a large rally on the steps of the State Capitol. I was a student reporter for KTWU-TV, the public TV station in town at the time.
Somehow, we snagged an interview with Rev. Falwell. Sandra Johnson, one of the station's full time producer/reporters and host of the station's black community program, and myself interviewed Rev. Falwell early that morning in his hotel room. Rev. Falwell's press secretary was none other than now well known conservative columnist Cal Thomas.
The interview did not go well. Rev. Falwell didn't like our questions. He and Cal didn't like the fact that as part of our special on his visit, we were going to have a panel discussion with some local clergy about Falwell and his conservative religious movement. We were to have a Catholic, a Mennonite, and a Baptist on the panel.
Thomas and Rev. Falwell called our questions biased and that we were a "bush league" operation by having on the other ministers. A shouting match broke out between Thomas and Jerry Cullen, our director and videographer. We also managed to get part of that on tape.
At the large rally that spring day, towards the end of the rally, Rev. Falwell announced to the probably 20,000 or so assembled on the capitol grounds to "boycott KTWU's biased TV program about me and complain about Jerry Cullen, Todd Epp, and Sandra Johnson."
I was standing on the Statehouse grounds when Rev. Falwell said this and it was pretty obvious I was with KTWU as I was standing there in a suit with a microphone by one of our minicams with a big KTWU/Channel 11 logo on it.
While it was scary to have such a powerful man call you out so publicly, it was also exhilarating, as, admittedly, I didn't like Jerry too much before the interview and even less afterward.
Further, it was the best free advertising I ever got for a project. As the program aired in the May sweeps, we had Nielsen's on the show. As of my leaving KTWU in 1986 for SD Public TV, it was by far the highest rated locally produced show at the time, with well over 20,000 households watching in the Topeka market.
And to add a final humorous touch, Rev. Falwell had also told the throng to go to the KTWU studios at the time the program aired and to protest. I wasn't there, but our master control people reported Rev. Falwell and several supporters were at the locked gate yelling to get in.
Meanwhile, the program aired--on tape.
Thank you, Rev. Falwell for denouncing me. I've never felt more validated as a journalist--or a person. It was an event that made me want to be a journalist--and be leery of the Extreme Right. But that was also a long time ago and I know I have mellowed in the intervening 26 years. I hope that the remainder of your trip to what lies beyond be less combative and is filled with peace and joy.
Published by Todd Epp
Todd Epp is a practicing attorney, freelance writer, Progressive political activist, and former broadcast journalist. BA, history/English, Washburn U.; JD, Washburn U. Law School; LLM U. of Houston Law Cent... View profile
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- In May 1981, with his popularity high, Moral Majority leader Jerry Falwell visited Topeka, KS.
- KTWU-TV, the local public TV station, produced a special that evening.
- Rev. Falwell denounced KTWU's program from the steps of the Kansas Capitol.
25 Comments
Post a CommentHe did have a large impact on America and for all of you who say bad things about him...Did you even know him?? I didnt think so. He was an amazing Leader, Pastor, Friend, and Chancellor!! He will NEVER be forgotten. Heaven welcomed him with open arms!!
I cringed at your title. I thought one of the requirements for AC's articles was that they exhibit proper grammar. Your article wasn't particularly well written, nor timely for that manner. You presented merely a "brush with greatness" tale; I for one was not impressed.
A detractor of yours took issue with your posting this article AFTER Falwell's death, as Falwell cannot now refute your position, but i believe that is an invalid issue. Falwell's death made him news again, therefore anecdotal evidence is relative. I'm sorry the man is dead, but I'm not sorry we'll not hear his bigotry any longer, but some other fool will rise to the occassion - rest assured. Anyway, good article Todd. Keep it up Man!
My perosnal responmse to the passing of Jerry Falwell was "Thank GOD"! With any luck, Al Sharpton and James Dobson will be next. I'm sure the fires are warm enough for all three.
It's called a news peg, fellow babies. Before Rev. Falwell died, I doubt there would be too much interest in my encounter with him. Monday my story was not very newsworthy. Tuesday it was. I also hadn't thought much about Rev. Falwell in the past decade or so and his death reminded me of this encounter.
I agree with another commenter that asks why the author waited until Falwell couldn't respond to write this. It reminds me of the stories Hillary Clinton tells about people who adored her to a truly unbelievable degree. Unfortunately they are dead, so they can't refute her account of their adoration.
Interesting that this happened 26 years ago but you wait till the man is dead and cannot refute your account of it. Why is that?
It's always great to be a part of history.... Thanks for sharing your experience....
I feel sympathy for his family because of the fact he was a father and a husband. I know losing someone so quick like that can be hard. However, I think Falwell spoke with hatered. I watched the interview that day he blamed homosexuals for the attacks on 9-11. I was disgusted. I am a lesbian and it gets sick and tiring of many using some peoples wrong doings as a way to shame and blame it on sexual orientation. Some need to stop making gays and lesbians an easy scape goat for those who choose not to make the world a better place.
Fellow babies:
Thanks for discussion about my article. I tried to balance my own views about Rev. Falwell with what I think is an interesting look into how he operated coupled with his passing. I wish him, his family, or his supporters no ill will and hope people respect his passing. Agree or disagree with Rev. Falwell (and I would be in the disagree camp), he had a large impact on American politics and society.