ABSTRACT
Media forms have been important tools for new religions that use publishing and visual technologies for training, communicating with members, presenting their messages, reinforcing or protecting the image of the leader and potentially attracting converts. The media are not only an important source of information on new religions, but see emerging groups and their leaders as providing a source of interesting stories. The use of media was often paired with the organisation of choreographed, multi-media events that attracted many viewers. However, the chapter provides a brief overview, in chronological order, from the press to the Internet, and a few examples to highlight some pioneering entrepreneurial initiatives implemented by new religions and to emphasise the variety of media strategies that have been developed. Satellite broadcasting has less restricted rules and from the 1980s, when satellite broadcasting started in Japan, several new religions have been using it for transmitting their public events or to communicate with members.
