Up: Martin Poulter > Scientology Criticism > UK Media Archive
Cult Group hit by Television Ban
"Advertising is unaccepatble"
The East Grinstead Observer, 2 March 1994
THE controversial Church of Scientology has been banned from advertising on TV, after an investigation into public access to its meetings.
The cult may not put out any adverts after the Independent Television Commission ruled it is "not an acceptable advertiser."
The Commission's rules say a religious group can only advertise if the public has direct access to its meetings, but commission investigators found they had to buy a book and pay upwards of £30 for a "course."
The move comes after the Conservative Family Campaign complained about an advert shown last year on the satellite superchannel.
The advert showed a number of happy, smiling faces, and ended with a call for people to trust each other to make the world a better place.
But the Commission said this was against the rules, as religious groups are not allowed to push any aspect of their philosophy.
Andy Wilson, who was case officer for the investigation into the complaint against the cult, stressed the Commission was not trying to brand any particular groups as good or bad.
"From our own research we know the public is concerned about religious advertising and we have made rules which reflect their concern that vulnerable people could be exploited for their money or their souls," he said.
The ruling means the Commission will not accept any advertising by the cult, unless they successfully appeal against the decision.
Up: Martin Poulter > Scientology Criticism > UK Media Archive