Skip to main content

Expect a more scientific Shark Week this year with Sharkopedia, extensive social media push

expect more scientific shark week sharkopedia social media
Andrea Izzotti / Shutterstock.com

When Discovery’s Shark Week begins on Sunday (July 5), the week-long celebration will feature expanded scientific online content on a dedicated site called Sharkopedia. Shark experts, or “finbassadors” as the network calls them, will take over Discovery’s Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts to educate viewers about sharks, according to Variety. It’s all part of president Rich Ross’ plan to make Shark Week more of a scientific series of programming instead of an over-dramatized mix of truth and fiction.

“We’re focusing hard on the scientists this year and the research that a lot of the science community is engaging in with shark behavior,” said Discovery VP of documentaries Howard Swartz to USA Today. “We’re really hitting that hard this year.”

Sharkopedia, an extensive online guide to sharks, delves into pages upon pages on topics like shark conservation, shark attacks, shark sex, shark history, and the shark diet. Discovery secured a group of “finbassadors” — scientists, divers, filmmakers, photographers, advocates and the like — to develop this free content and run their social media accounts for the week. Also on tap for the network are Snapchat stories featuring mascot Chompie Jr. as well as live-streamed Meerkat events including a live shark feeding filmed at Baltimore’s National Aquarium.

“There are so many different ways for people to interact with ‘Shark Week’, and we are building a big, multi platform experience that has huge reach across Facebook and Twitter,” said Discovery exec Paul Pastor to Variety. The network will also be testing the aforementioned newer social media platforms.

Discovery’s weeklong ‘Shark Week’ on network TV will also publicize the online guide, saying that the programs are “powered by” Sharkopedia. When its different TV shows mention shark facts, the channel will tell viewers to check out their online content.

Sharkopedia is the network’s response to viewers’ backlash against past programming which exaggerated the truth. “We live in a world that is both curious and judgmental when it comes to anything that smells of chicanery or lack of transparency,” said Ross to USA Today. “When they found out [that certain programming] wasn’t true, the backlash against the channel was fierce.”

Editors' Recommendations

Chris Leo Palermino
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Chris Leo Palermino is a music, tech, business, and culture journalist based between New York and Boston. He also contributes…
This Sony 65-inch OLED 4K TV is $700 off right now
Sony A80L 4K OLED TV.

There's a great way to save some cash on expensive electronics that a lot of folks don't consider: buying straight from the manufacturer. Right now Sony has the best deal out their on their own Bravia XR A80L OLED TV. You can grab the 65-inch model of this gorgeous OLED TV for only $1,800, down $700 from its usual $2,500. All of the other sizes are on sale as well. This is one of the best TV deals out there today, and it's coming straight from Sony.

Why you should buy the Sony 65-inch Bravia XR A80L OLED TV
As one of the best TV brands, Sony has embraced OLED technology in recent years. OLED means that each pixel on-screen is self-lit so that different areas of the screen can react differently to other parts. That means deep blacks and vibrant colors all on one screen. With the Sony 65-inch Bravia XR A80L OLED TV, you get some fantastic technology enhancing the OLED panel even more.

Read more
Best headphone deals: Save on Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, and more
Woman wearing Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.

Buying new headphones or wireless earbuds shouldn't have to be a scary experience -- if you're overwhelmed by all of the headphone deals that are out there, we're here to help you out. We've gathered the top choices and the biggest bargains right here, so you don't have to look anywhere else. Once you've chosen the audio accessory that you want to purchase, it's highly recommended that you proceed with the transaction because these discounts aren't going to last forever.
Today's best headphone deals
Audio-Technica SQ1TW -- $28, was $79

For very cheap wireless earbuds, go for the Audio-Technica SQ1TW. They're compact and comfortable to wear, but they don't sacrifice audio quality with their 5.8mm driver. They can last up to 6.5 hours on a single charge and an additional 13 hours with their charging case. The wireless earbuds come with waterproof design equivalent to an IPX4 rating, and they can connect to Android devices using Fast Pair technology for your convenience.

Read more
Best refurbished AirPods deals: Save on Pro and Max
AirPods Pro resting on an iPhone with open charging case nearby.

If you're an Apple fanatic on a budget, refurbished AirPods are a great way to save money. Yes, they're technically used, but we're not talking about thrift store headphone deals here. These AirPods have all been professionally refurbished and tested to make sure they work just like they would straight out of the box. All of the AirPods deals below are from a site called Back Market, which has 30-day free returns on all of their AirPods offers. Plus, if your refurbished AirPods end up having any mechanical faults that affect their ability to function, you have a one-year warranty you can invoke. Every model of AirPod still being developed currently has a refurbished model on sale. Check them out below.
Apple AirPods 2 -- $89, were $130

The good old AirPods 2 won't let you down. They are the cheapest AirPods still being manufactured, and buying them refurbished brings the price well below $100. They don't have noise cancelling or some of the other models, but they still pair well with your iPhone, iPad or MacBook and have good sound. A pair in fair condition with a charging cable is pretty cheap. If the superficial scratches turn out to be too much for you, you can return them within 30 days. If the damage turns out to be technical rather than cosmetic, they have a one-year warranty so you can send them back or get a replacement for free.

Read more