The Global Media and Entertainment Talent Manifesto today announces new production details, partners and confirmed presenters for On Air, the world’s largest student-led broadcast, taking place on 16 October 2025.
The 24-hour livestream, spanning six continents and produced by students from 18 universities worldwide, will be hosted from On Air’s central hub at Ravensbourne University London by Youth TV presenters Urban Judge, Acacia Daniel, Mya Harris and former Gladiator Suzie Cox (Vogue). They will guide audiences through live coverage and connect the stories unfolding from participating universities across the globe.
More than 500 students are now confirmed to participate across every stage of the media workflow, from content creation and live production through to playout, distribution, and post-production. 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.
On Air will be the first use in production of a Time Addressable Media Store (TAMS) based on the open-source API specification from BBC R&D. Using the AWS reference implementation and open-source tools, the whole live program output will be recorded using Techex tx darwin as a single item into the store. With TAMS students worldwide will have real-time access to the ingested content, enabling them to create social media clips and edited segments as the broadcast progresses.
In addition to the main university-led broadcast, On Air will also feature a dedicated segment developed in partnership with CNN and Wandsworth Council as part of its year as London Borough of Culture 2025. Part of a year long journalism programme to develop creative skills Year 8 students from 17 secondary schools in the borough will take part in media academies and contribute to a live segment filmed at CNN’s London studio, giving them a first taste of broadcasting in a professional environment. CNN Academy Abu Dhabi – the network’s initiative to empower and upskill emerging talent in the Middle East region – will also provide an hour of original programming, further supporting On Air’s mission to offer meaningful access and hands-on experience to emerging talent across the globe.
The initiative has also expanded its partner network, now supported by more than 20 organisations. Recent additions include .monks, Boxer, Clear-Com, DTG, IABM, InSync, OOONA, IPLocker, Playout Liberated, and Vipe. They join existing supporters AI Media, Aski-Da Taldea, AWS, B&Co, Deluxe, IBC, ITV Studios (Media Partner), Levira, OTTRED, Platform Communications, Provys, Ravensbourne University London, SMPTE (Education Partner), Tag Video Systems, Tanooki, Techex, and Vizrt.
OOONA, a leading provider of professional management and production tools for the media localisation industry, is the latest partner to join On Air. The company brings deep expertise in accessibility and video localisation technologies to support student teams working across multiple countries, cultures, and languages.
“At OOONA, we are passionate about empowering the next generation of media professionals with the tools and insight they need to succeed.”, said Andrew Garb, Global Account Manager at OOONA “On Air is a unique opportunity for students to experience the real-world power of localisation and accessibility. We are proud to be supporting such a forward-thinking and inclusive initiative.”
Also newly confirmed as a partner is Rise Academy, supporting On Air as part of its commitment to inspiring, educating, and informing young individuals about the diverse pathways and opportunities within the media technology sector.
Carrie Wootten, Co-Founder of the Global Media and Entertainment Talent Manifesto, said: “Momentum is building fast. With more than 500 students confirmed, new partners joining, and our presenters announced, On Air is shaping up to be a truly global celebration of the next generation of media talent. It’s an extraordinary collaboration between education and industry, and we can’t wait to showcase the results in October.”
Confirmed universities/locations include: AFDA; Cape Town; Baltic Film and Media School; BTS Audiovisuel Bayonne-Biarritz; California State University LA; CNN Academy Abu Dhabi; De Anza College; San Francisco; Grafisch Lyceum; Rotterdam; Griffith University; Brisbane; Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart (SMPTE); Lycée René Cassin – Biarritz; Medieklyngen – Media Cluster Norway; Montgomery College; Washington; University of Sao Paulo in partnership with Faculdade Casper Libero; University of Surrey; TAFE NSW (SMPTE); University of York and Whistling Woods Mumbai with Ravensbourne University London as the central hub for master control room, playout control and operations.
“We are delighted that Ravensbourne University London is at the heart of On Air, serving as the project’s technical headquarters,” said Jon Kinsbury, Vice Chancellor at Ravensbourne University London. “Our students are playing a central role in ensuring the success of this global broadcast, working at the cutting edge of media production. It’s an invaluable opportunity for them to apply their skills in a fast-paced, real-world environment, while collaborating with peers and professionals across continents. This project perfectly reflects our commitment to innovation, creative and hands-on learning. On Air demonstrates the power of education and industry coming together to nurture the next generation of talent, and we are proud to be at the very centre of it.”
How to Watch
On Air will stream live worldwide on YouTube from 16-17 October 2025. The broadcast will remain available afterwards, ensuring employers, mentors and educators can continue to engage with the content and connect with students.
Audiences can already subscribe to the channel at youtube.com/@mediatalentmanifesto to receive updates and reminders, and to make sure they don’t miss the start of the broadcast.
To find out more, including how to get involved, visit: mediatalentmanifesto.com/on-air
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