Shark Week, the once a year TV week long event that is all about sharks. Created by Tom Golden who worked at Discovery Channel, in 1988, the week long feature is devoted to the conservation and correction of misconceptions about sharks. Over time, the week long special got popular and became a hit. It is broadcast in over 72 countries and is heavily promoted by social networks.
When it comes to sharks, they have a pretty bad reputation thanks to all the stories and stereotypes. Sharks have been labeled as dangerous, vicious killers that attack all, but in most cases, sharks are the victim. Millions are killed every year due to the supply demand of shark fin soups, which increases illegal fishing and hunting, decreasing the shark populations worldwide.
Here are the two most common
myths associated with sharks:
Myth #1: Sharks are man eaters and often attack people
Point and case, they don’t. You’re more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a shark. Humans are not a part of a shark's diet, and the only reason these accidents occur is that sharks are hunting for prey very similar in size to humans, like seals or dolphins, but most sharks only eat fish or squid or clams.
Myth #2: Sharks
aren’t important
Sharks play an important role in marine life and help to balance the food chains. They help populations stay healthy by preying on the weaker prey in species.
Shark week provides us with new content every year, and you would think that almost 30 years later we would know at least enough for the special to lose so much popularity and hype, but it’s still not enough. Each year the program gains more and more popularity due to the amazing work of its marketing and PR team. The week long television special teaches us more than just crazy shark facts, it also carries important PR lessons that people should know.
Marketing 101
w/ Sharks