Tune in to two student-produced shows during commencement weekend

This year’s commencement weekend will be bookended by special episodes of two ambitious student-produced broadcasts: “Pitt to the Point,” a news magazine program, and “Pitt Tonight,” a (usually) late-night comedy show.

Though different in tone, each will provide entertainment and recaps from the past year and celebrate the latest class of Pitt graduates.

“The students that create both ‘Pitt to the Point’ and ‘Pitt Tonight’ have truly exceeded every and all expectations,” said Kevin Smith, director of undergraduate studies in broadcast in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. “The students behind these shows demonstrate their creative skills, technical skills, professional skills and advanced comprehension of the broadcast and film industry.”

A time for reflection

“Pitt to the Point,” a new effort launched in February, is broadcasting its final show of the semester on Friday, April 29, ahead of Saturday’s long-awaited 2020 in-person commencement.

The show is a one-hour news magazine program that airs Friday mornings and is produced by students enrolled in Television News Practicum, an undergraduate course in Pitt’s Film and Media Studies program. The newscast covers events taking place on Pitt’s campuses and the city of Pittsburgh, and features national and international on-air guests and stories such as an interview with Mark Cuban, coverage of Bigelow Bash, talks with local politicians and more.

The “Pitt to the Point” pre-commencement programming will include a year in review and a salute to Pitt’s seniors, in addition to its regular segments.

[Everything you need to know about commencement.]

“Our goal for Friday’s show is to spotlight the extraordinary accomplishments of our Pitt community and what makes our University such an exceptional place to learn and grow,” said Jacqueline Napier, the program’s news director.

Napier, a graduating senior majoring in legal studies and communication rhetoric, added, “The Class of 2022 has much to be proud of, and ‘Pitt to the Point’ is honored to help pay homage to the journey that got them here.”

Catch the show live on Friday, April 29, at 8 a.m. Or, check out re-broadcasts on Saturday, April 30, at noon on Pittsburgh CW and CBSN.

The jokes keep coming

And after Sunday’s Class of 2022 ceremony, “Pitt Tonight,” the University’s award-winning answer to late-night television shows, will broadcast its farcical fun on the Petersen Events Center’s jumbotron.

Viewers will be treated to an opening monologue by next year’s host Nick Cassano, a one-on-one guest interview with departing host Victoria Chuah, skits, games and a musical guest.

[Louis Riddick and Mary Ellen Callahan are this year’s undergraduate ceremony speakers.]

“To have a platform as broad as commencement is an amazing opportunity for us,” said Ben Asciutto, the show’s executive producer who is a junior majoring in film and media studies and business.

“We were asked by Pitt not only to highlight graduates, but our own ‘Pitt Tonight’ seniors who have contributed to the show and now inspire the next generation of passionate student creatives,” he said.

Watch the livestream of the May 1 ceremony starting at 2 p.m. If you miss the show, stream ‘Pitt Tonight’ any time on their YouTube channel.

— Nichole Faina