Attention is earned through authentic connection, not bought.
Co-Founder & Executive Producer · AfterBuzz TV & Black Hollywood Live · 2009–2019Helping build AfterBuzz TV from a bedroom into one of the first and largest online streaming entertainment networks taught me that attention is earned through authentic connection — not manufactured through budget. That lesson became the foundation for everything I've built since.
An emerging digital network with no shortage of ambition — and no established playbook.
AfterBuzz TV was a startup media concept with real potential, but it needed structure, strategy, and content that could scale into a loyal audience large enough to attract major entertainment partners.
Executive producer, host, and the person who had to make the content operation actually run.
Flagship Programming
Created and hosted AfterBuzz Tonite, the network's flagship late-night entertainment show — celebrity interviews, pop culture coverage, industry conversations.
Volume at Scale
Produced 100+ hours of original weekly content, and led a team of 12 producers and 230+ on-air hosts across dozens of simultaneous shows.
Network Partnerships
Built relationships with major streaming platforms, studios, and television networks — including Netflix, VH1, Oxygen, OWN, and NBCUniversal.
Talent Relations
Secured and managed talent across reality TV, music, film, and digital media — booking guests from Love & Hip Hop, Bad Girls Club, The Real World, and major streaming original casts.
A few of the shows and specials this built.
Episode Recaps & Analysis
Hosted and produced the official aftershow for a major streaming original series, with cast and creator interviews and live audience engagement.
Love & Hip Hop · Bad Girls Club · Real World
Produced aftershows and reunion specials for popular reality series in partnership with major networks.
Celebrity Interviews · Pop Culture
The network's flagship late-night show featuring celebrities, influencers, and entertainment news.
Talent, guests, and the day-to-day of running a content operation.
AfterBuzz TV
Black Hollywood Live
"Jesse was a driving force behind AfterBuzz TV's growth. His creativity, leadership, and passion helped us build a network that truly connected with audiences worldwide."Maria Menounos & Kevin Undergaro — Co-Founders, AfterBuzz TV
This is the lesson that started it all.
See how it carried into Bellami Hair, and how everything came together at Next Digital Production.