Students to go On Air for 26hr global broadcast
June 10, 2025
The Global Media and Entertainment Talent Manifesto has announced the launch of On Air, a global student-led broadcast taking place on 16 October 2025. Spanning 26 hours and produced by teams from Auckland to Los Angeles, On Air will be the world’s largest student broadcast, delivering a continuous stream of original and pre-recorded content managed entirely by university and college students.
Each participating institution will contribute at least one hour of live programming to the broadcast, showcasing the breadth of emerging creative and technical talent across the media production ecosystem. Confirmed universities/locations include: Auckland University of Technology (SMPTE), Baltic Film and Media School, Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart (SMPTE), Hong Kong Design Institute (SMPTE), Lycée René Cassin – Biarritz, Medieklyngen – Media Cluster Norway, University of Sao Paulo in partnership with Faculdade Casper Libero, University of Surrey, University of Texas (SMPTE), and York University with Ravensbourne University London as the central hub for master control room, playout control and operations.
On Air will serve as a live global talent showcase; offering participating students real-world experience, international exposure, and networking opportunities, while giving media and entertainment organisations direct access to a diverse pool of future-ready creatives and technologists. Talent spotting will be a core feature of the initiative, enabling companies to engage early with the people set to shape the industry’s future.
Tim Guilder, Head of Production Technology – ITV Studios at ITV, media partner for On Air, said “ITV is committed to helping foster the next generation of talent and we’re proud to be supporting On Air and providing technical support and studio access to this exciting project. The scale of this project will give creatives and technologists more global opportunities to shine.”
Sally-Ann D’Amato, Executive Director at SMPTE, said: “SMPTE is proud to be the education partner for On Air, connecting our global student chapters to this unique initiative. The project offers a fantastic opportunity for students to apply their knowledge in a live environment, collaborate internationally, and gain exposure across the industry. It reflects our shared commitment to preparing students with the skills, experience and networks they need to thrive in media and entertainment.”
“On Air exemplifies the power of collaboration between education and industry by providing an opportunity to connect with and support the next generation of talent,” said Carrie Wootten, Founder of the Global Media and Entertainment Talent Manifesto. “By giving students real-world experience, hands-on learning and visibility among potential future employers, we can help ensure the future of our sector is more innovative, inclusive and sustainable.”
The initiative will involve students working across the full media technology supply chain, including production, channel creation, playout, distribution, post-production, and social media. At the heart of the project will be cloud-based workflows powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), FAST channel methodologies, and AI tools deployed in areas such as subtitling, editing, ad creation and content generation. Accessibility and sustainability will be considered throughout the project, with the team committed to measuring its environmental and social impact.
On Air is supported by a growing list of partners, including AI-Media, Aski-Da Taldea, AWS, BCNEXXT, Deluxe, ITV Studios, Levira, Monks, OTTRED, Platform Communications, OTTRED, Provys, Ravensbourne University London, SMPTE, Techex, and Vizrt.
Sponsorship opportunities are now open for organisations and there are ad slots available on the channel too.
A range of packages are available, providing brand exposure across all On Air marketing, PR, and social media, along with featured presence on the Global Media and Entertainment Talent Manifesto website.
The On Air team are also looking for a distribution partner and any platform integrators to take the project further. This is a unique opportunity to extend the broadcast across additional digital and FAST environments. If you’re a platform or technology partner looking to be part of something big to support the next generation, please get in touch.
Other posts by :