Scientology and public relations

Public relations in the Church of Scientology includes promotional, outreach, and reputation management strategies the organization uses to shape public perception, attract new members, and respond to criticism.

Since its founding in the 1950s, Scientology has used a wide range of public relations (PR) methods, including celebrity outreach, advertising campaigns, humanitarian branding, and online media. PR efforts are central in the organization's efforts to shape public perception.

Scientology's founder L. Ron Hubbard emphasized PR as essential to the growth and protection of the movement, writing extensively about managing public opinion and countering negative information. Over subsequent decades, Scientology developed formal structures for PR and reputation management, including the Office of Special Affairs and dedicated Celebrity Centres.

In 2011 the Church acquired the KCET Studios property, and in 2018 they launched the Scientology Network, showing such content as "Meet a Scientologist", "What is Scientology?", and "Voices for Humanity".[1]

In the 2020s, Scientology expanded its PR onto social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. In 2026, Mother Jones reported that local Scientology organizations began producing short form videos featuring younger members presenting church facilities, introductory courses, and auditing equipment, with the aim of creating a more approachable and youthful public image. These campaigns attracted both interest and criticism, with commenters questioning church practices and policies.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑
    • Miller, Daniel (April 25, 2011). "L.A.'s KCET-TV Sells Landmark Hollywood Studios to Church of Scientology". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 8, 2023.
    • Gibson, Kate (March 12, 2018). "Scientology Network set for TV launch". CBS News. Archived from the original on April 11, 2018.
  2. ↑ Merland, Anna (May 19, 2026). "Scientology's Extremely Online Pivot to Video". Mother Jones. Archived from the original on May 24, 2026.
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