Another billboard company has caved from the pressure applied by the Church of Scientology. Phil Jones learned this afternoon that Regency Outdoor Advertising, which had planned to put up Phil’s billboard this weekend for Tuesday’s unveiling, has now cancelled on him.
We talked to Phil’s sales rep at Regency, who told us that the decision was made by owner Brian Kennedy. Why did he change his mind? we asked. “I have no idea. He’s not disclosing it,” she said, sounding defeated.
We reported on Saturday that Scientology had tasked its outdoor media buyer, Dennis Holt of US International Media, to head off Phil’s billboard. According to Phil, who heard it from Regency, Holt had offered to buy massive amounts of billboard space from Regency, but had also used intimidation.
Something apparently worked, but we’ll be surprised if Kennedy explains what that is.
With two companies now turning him down, Phil says he’s not giving up.
“There really are not that many billboard companies. I know there are other ways to do this, but they really don’t have the impact of a billboard. I have to keep going.”
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Posted by Tony Ortega on March 15, 2016 at 20:30
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BLOGGING DIANETICS: We read Scientology’s founding text cover to cover with the help of L.A. attorney and former church member Vance Woodward
UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists
GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice
SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts
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