TELEVISION - Jan. 19, 1993

Courtroom Drama: James Earl Ray, the man imprisoned for the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will be tried for the first time--on HBO. The network is producing “Guilt or Innocence: The Trial of James Earl Ray,” which will examine questions about King’s murder in a courtroom setting. Ray, his attorney, a judge, prosecutor and witnesses will take part in the special, to air April 4, the 25th anniversary of King’s death. Producers said Ray, serving a 99-year sentence, has unsuccessfully sought a trial ever since he pleaded guilty to the shooting.