Monday, March 16, 2009

Travel Channel & Dhani Jones Tackle the Globe w/ Social Media

With the exception of his chiseled frame and his intimidating stature, Dhani Jones isn't your typical NFL linebacker.

Off the field, the gentle giant is a cultured musician, entrepreneur and community activist.
 In his free time, Jones writes poetry, supports the environment, plays piano, sax and bass.He founded fivestarties.com, a store that sells modern bowties.

Now, he's returning to your living room television, but he won't be pursuing an elusive linebacker, he'll be in search of an unique sport.

Tonight,  Dhani Tackles the Globe  premiers on the Travel Channel. Jones will trek through foreign countries to learn about the cultural impact and history of native sports. In the first episode, Jones exlpores Thailand, where he learns about a martial art known as Muay Thai. A youtube video shows Jones anxiously awaiting his chance to spar with a gold medalist. You may have seen the 60 second TV ad  with Jones strutting through an airport. He crosses the path of soccer players, sumo wrestlers and other athletes. His voice-over says:

 After nine years of professional football, I'm not stranger to a challenge.But ever since I got the travel bug, I feel like I can take on the whole world, and it looks like I'm going to get my chance.

The Travel Channel incorporated several social media networks to maximize the series' exposure, including updates on the Travel Channel's Twitter Page, Myspace page, video posts and notes on the  Facebook fan page, and a Mobile fan club,

Fans can receive daily updates on Jones Twitter page or watch video uploads on his Youtube Channel. In his latest upload, the Dhani Jones Sports Challenge, he urges viewers to respond with footage of the most unusual sports.In an attempt to generate viral videos, Jones promises to favorite the responses.

Among Jones' favorite bizarre sports: Bog Snorkeling, British Shin Kicking Championship and the wife-carrying championships from Finland.So far, the channel has a respectable following of 315 subscribers and 24,000 views.

Jones' adventure series is one of two new shows featured in the "Catch the bug" lineup. You should check out ihavethebug.com, an online quiz that evaluates travel personality and assigns you to a category. (My result: Chieftan, was very accurate.)

I'll keep an eye on his channel to see if its popularity blooms by the end of the first season.

*Update:Check out our Dhani Jones Autographed Poster giveaway.

Posted By Matt O'Hern at 12:56 PM
Permanent Link: Travel Channel & Dhani Jones Tackle the Globe w/ Social Media | Comments (1)

(1) Comments on Travel Channel & Dhani Jones Tackle the Globe w/ Social Media

Your show is off the meter. Being athletic and a gym rat myself it's refreshing to another brother grace the globe as your doing. Your living the life I wish I could. Traveling the world, seeing different cultures and participating in the sports of that culture. And you also excell by their rules. I really enjoy your show and I find myself watching the same episodes a few times just to catch if I missed something. I hope you'll continue for future seasons and I wish you all the luck. PEACE and Thanks

Comments by Antoine Davis : Wednesday, April 01, 2009 at 07:58 PM

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