Oral Roberts U. Cancels Ads Over Announcer’s Spoof

TULSA, Okla. —  Oral Roberts University canceled an $8,000 ad contract with a Tulsa radio station after the station’s morning show host spoofed Roberts’ claim that he could die if $4.5 million is not raised for his medical missionary program by March.

KRMG’s John Erling made light of Roberts’ claim Wednesday, saying “a 900-foot Lassie came to me and told me to build a 60-story dog and cat hospital.”

“I told the listeners that if you don’t send me money, then you will die,” Erling said.

The 900-foot Lassie was a reference to Oral Roberts’ statement that a 900-foot Jesus appeared in a dream and told Roberts to build the 60-story City of Faith Medical and Research Center. The hospital has been a money loser.

Mike Crusham, KRMG general manager, said he was surprised at the contract cancellation. He said the contract was for advertising tickets for university basketball games.