This isn’t Jesse Irwin’s website.
…but here’s what we’ve heard about him.
As far as we know, there’s never been a moment in Jesse’s life when he hasn’t had the urge to communicate in a unique way.
Relatable? Yes. Occasionally annoying? Ask his parents.
{***READ TELEPROMPTER ALOUD***}
GEE, I’D SURE LOVE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS GUY.
LET’S KEEP SCROLLING.
(CONTINUES TO SCROLL)
STORYTELLER
Over the last few years, several hundred strangers like these have allowed Jesse to share their story.
From origami artists to doomsday preppers, his ability to create a genuine connection with each of them has taught Jesse to ask the questions that lead to the core of what makes a person special.
Working on a daily deadline has also helped Jesse see the beauty in brevity, and sharpen his use of words to evoke emotion.
CREATIVE RISK TAKER
From a 3-hour live shot in a
hot air balloon to a fried chicken dinner
with the Governor of Kansas, Jesse has proven that
he can make any idea happen with the right team in place.
BRAND DEVELOPER
“You’ve watched Colbert, Fallon, Kimmel, Corden, and Conan. But have you watched Irwin?”
In 2015, Jesse assembled a staff of 70+ students to help him fulfill his vision and create what would become the on-campus and community-wide late night show – Pitt Tonight.
With each episode taped in front of audiences of 500+, Jesse used the late night format to bring the school together, establish a learning environment for himself and his peers at a school with no broadcast facility or major, and hone his skills as a creative producer, performer, marketer, and host.
The show was recognized for its originality in multiple fields, and was nominated for two Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards – the first Emmy nominations in University of Pittsburgh history.
First Impressions Are Everything
Because the goal of the show was to bridge the gap between the different corners of the university, Jesse knew it was crucial for the first two guests to compliment one another. With the school’s president already set, they booked an equally recognizable campus celebrity who sees the students from a different perspective – Ophelia, the on-campus cafeteria cashier. The two of them had never met, yet their instant rapport showcased the power of the platform.
#FallonVsIrwin
Early on, he knew he wanted the show to be seen as more than just another student group. So partnering with Primanti Bros., Pitt Tonight challenged one of the biggest hosts in late night to a speed eating contest, launching a social media campaign that put them on the map. While the Tonight Show declined the challenge, Pitt Tonight’s audience skyrocketed, and the campaign continues to be talked to this day.
Key Moments of Brand Growth
“If only I had a good quote to include here like I did with that section above.”
Jesse was hired by a CBS & FOX affiliate in the Midwest to develop and anchor an entirely new program, while also being part of the 5-7am broadcast. In the process, he’s helped to grow the station’s morning audience by solidifying its brand loyalty through head-turning segments. From tackling social issues head on to finding stories that spark a smile, Jesse understands that routine viewership is the result of each morning feeling fresh.
A Walk Across the Country
We found Sutham Nateetong on Route 66 walking across the United States and posted the interview to our station’s Facebook page, garnering immediate attention.
This video is currently the most watched interview in station history with nearly 9000 engagements and more than 436,000 impressions.
Lessons From a Broadway Star
As part of the effort to reach a younger demographic, Jesse disguised himself as a member of the Broadway cast of “Cats: The Musical” and stopped by a local production’s rehearsal.
Content like this has helped propel the new show’s ratings, with a 330% increase since Jan. 2019.