Scientology Network
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Los Angeles |
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | English |
| Picture format | 1080i (HDTV) |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Church of Scientology |
| History | |
| Launched | 12 March 2018 |
| Links | |
| Website | www |
| Availability | |
| Streaming media | |
| Scientology.tv | www |
Scientology Network is an American television network and streaming service launched by the Church of Scientology on March 12, 2018.[1] The channel is available on DirecTV, the website Scientology.tv, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and through iOS and Android apps.[2][3][4][5] Scientology leader David Miscavige introduced the first evening of broadcast, saying, “We’re not here to preach to you, to convince you or to convert you. No, we simply want to show you, because after all, the first principle of Scientology is that it’s only true if it is true to you. So, take a look and then decide for yourself.”[6][7] The network launched with six original shows, including: Meet A Scientologist, Voices for Humanity, and L. Ron Hubbard: In His Own Voice.[8]
The network’s launch countdown was posted via official social media accounts[9] and an advertisement promoting the network was displayed in Times Square on the day of the launch.[10] The teaser video announced, “The only thing more interesting than what you’ve heard, is what you haven’t.” One tweet from the church’s official Twitter handle said, “It’s time for us to tell our story.”[11] According to entertainment website Variety.com, the network seems to be a “stepped up effort by the church to address critics.” [9] Quartz media said, “Unfortunately for Scientology, the church picked literally the worst time to get into the TV game. The number of cable and streaming TV channels and series has increased exponentially in recent years—making it harder and harder for brands to stick out in the era of 'peak TV'.”[12]
Scientology Media Productions
Scientology Network broadcasts from Scientology Media Productions in Los Angeles, California, located on 4401 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Scientology Media Productions launched in 2016 at the previous location of the KCET Studios, a cultural landmark in Hollywood that dates back to 1912.[13][14] According to LA Weekly, photos acquired from the church, “depict a state-of-the-art facility offering soundstages with ‘robotically controlled cameras,’ a scenery shop, screening rooms, a visual-effects center and a television broadcast studio.” Scientology’s publishing department is also within the premises. The production facility was foreseen by the media to be the site of the Church of Scientology’s planned 24-hour TV network, before it came into fruition in 2018.[15][16][17]
References
- ^ "The Church of Scientology Has Launched a TV Channel. It's Weirdly Familiar". March 22, 2018. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
- ^ Bradley, Laura. "A 24-Hour Scientology Network Is Coming Soon to a Streaming Device Near You".
- ^ Handley, Lucy (12 March 2018). "The Church of Scientology is launching a TV network tonight".
- ^ Gonzalez, Sandra. "Church of Scientology to launch TV channel".
- ^ "Scientology TV: Controversial church launches its own TV network".
- ^ "Scientology TV Launches: "We're Not Here to Preach to You"".
- ^ "Scientology Leader David Miscavige Makes Rare On-Camera Appearance as the Church Launches TV Network".
- ^ "The Church of Scientology Is Launching a TV Network". Time.
- ^ a b Littleton, Cynthia (11 March 2018). "Scientology Unveils Network Launch Set for Monday".
- ^ "Praise Xenu: Now you can watch Scientology shows 24/7, if that's your thing".
- ^ Hayes, Dade (11 March 2018). "Scientology TV Network Sets Launch On DirecTV, Apple, Roku And Amazon".
- ^ Epstein, Adam. "Scientology is launching a TV channel on DirecTV and streaming platforms — Quartz". qz.com.
- ^ "Scientology Network set for TV launch".
- ^ "What are the Scientologists doing with their new film studio?".
- ^ Aron, Hillel (24 August 2016). "What Is the Church of Scientology Doing With This Los Angeles Movie Studio?".
- ^ "Scientologists launch massive studio to spread cult message globally through movies, TV, radio". www.christianexaminer.com.
- ^ "Scientology open massive communications HQ".