Ron Hubbard’s accomplishments have had enormous impact on the lives of millions and he is rightfully regarded as one of the most important men of the twentieth century.

     The furthest reaching of L. Ron Hubbard’s humanitarian efforts are embodied in Dianetics and Scientology; today, millions of people in more than 130 nations consider his works the spiritual cornerstone of their lives.

     His drug rehabilitation methods are used with great success in 39 countries with more than 140,000 people freed from the harmful effects of drugs.

     His breakthroughs in the field of education have been employed around the globe for 30 years, and have helped bring learning and literacy to millions of children and adults.

     These are only a few of the better-known accomplishments of L. Ron Hubbard. But if you watched an episode of the “Secret Lives” programme which purported to give insight into his life, you would have no sense of his achievements.

     If Channel 4 had wanted to reveal little known facts about L. Ron Hubbard they could have done so—and stuck to the truth. Indeed, it is not commonly realized that Mr. Hubbard was an accomplished professional in 29 different fields as diverse as aviation, horticulture, cinematography, music and administration.

     Or that his published writings include more than 5,000 works, in genres as diverse as western, adventure, mystery, science fiction, poetry and philosophy.

     He was also an accomplished master mariner, licensed to operate any vessel on any ocean, and as an explorer and expeditionary leader, Mr. Hubbard carried the prestigious Explorer’s Club flag on three expeditions.

     Few are aware that while residing in England in the 1960s, he served as vice president of the East Grinstead Horticultural Society. His horticultural research included the means to improve crop yield in famine-prone countries.

     Mr. Hubbard wrote and recorded three music albums; his professional photographs appeared in many publications including National Geographic; and he was repeatedly decorated for service in the U.S. Navy.

     There is much more. Yet Channel 4’s “Secret Lives” programme was so far from the truth the man was unrecognizable.

     How was such distortion possible? An examination of the tabloid journalism methods Channel 4 employed offers the answers. They selected a reporter who had proven her animosity in two previous hatchet jobs on Scientology, and relied on a virtual rogues gallery of “sources” most of whom had never met L. Ron Hubbard, and one who was on the run from authorities, and who was enjoined by courts from repeating the lies Channel 4 was so eager to use. In fact, three key sources threatened to extort the Church, demanding millions of dollars—or they would generate hostile media coverage based on false and scurrilous stories. While reputable media scorned their overtures, Channel 4 and 3BM, the show’s production company, embraced them.

     One fled US law enforcement to evade arrest and $350,000 in fines after a court found him in contempt and barred him from spreading further lies about the Church and Mr. Hubbard.

     Another boasted of his ability to distort the truth to suit whoever was paying him. The behaviour of yet another paid consultant for the show, who never knew L. Ron Hubbard, was described by the English High Court as “particularly unsavoury” and “devious”.

     Channel 4 and 3BM knew all about these people before they even began editing their programme.

     While they refused phone calls from the Church and pretended that no show was in the making, Church representatives documented the film crew travelling across the United States and Canada as they sought out these discredited sources.

     L. Ron Hubbard’s official biographer offered Channel 4 access to the vast biographical archives documenting Mr. Hubbard’s life, and to provide interviews with people who did know Mr. Hubbard. Channel 4 refused. They also refused to provide the allegations made by their sources so their statements could be disproven. And, while Channel 4 steadfastly stonewalled, they provided copies of the program to other media to promote the show.

     In an effort to generate publicity for their programme they also “leaked” a letter written by long-time Scientologist John Travolta. What wasn’t reported was what he said: “I have firsthand experience about what is possible through Scientology. I know something of Mr. Hubbard’s life and I definitely know that the fruits of that life have meant much to the lives of others.”

     Only the living can bring claims for libel. Thus shows like “Secret Lives” target the deceased—and thereby lie with apparent impunity. But in the absence of law, one would hope for decency and at least a passing concern for the truth as a deterrent. Channel 4 provided neither.

     L. Ron Hubbard’s books have sold over 120 million copies. The Scientology religion has millions of followers. And there are too many people, too well known, who demonstrate every day they are every bit as, and indeed more, intelligent than Channel 4—and they practice this religion and know that L. Ron Hubbard is their friend. And that just doesn’t match Channel 4’s version of the story.

     If you would like real, documented information about L. Ron Hubbard, and the truth behind the lies told on the programme, write or call:

     L. Ron Hubbard Personal Public Relations Office, Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 4JY; Phone: 01342 326 711.

     You can also check the following Internet sites, available in five languages:

http://www.scientology.org * http://www.lronhubbard.org * http://www.dianetics.org

* email:info@scientology.net