The Media Talent Manifesto (MTM) has confirmed the return of On Air for 2026.
October’s inaugural On Air broadcast brought together universities and schools from around the world to produce the world’s largest student-led broadcast. More than 1,000 students, staff and volunteers from across six continents took part in the event, designed to demonstrate the achievements of emerging talent when able to access professional-grade workflows and technologies.
Building on its success, organisers said they aim to repeat the project this year with wider ambition and scope. Multiple dedicated channels across culture, news, sport, film and children’s content will enable greater participation from educational establishments across the globe, driving real-time collaboration between teams operating in different territories and time zones.
MTM has also confirmed the formation of an advisory board comprising senior leaders from across industry and education, including Laura Meyer, Ben Keen, Dushi Thangarajah and Stephen Stewart.
Carrie Wootten, founder of MTM, commented, “The response to On Air in its first year exceeded all expectations. What really stood out was the confidence and professionalism the students showed when given responsibility and trust. For 2026, we’re taking everything we learned and scaling it up. By expanding the broadcast into multiple channels, we can involve more institutions, more students and more industry partners, while continuing to showcase what the next generation of media talent is capable of on a global stage.”
Industry partners include the BBC, Disguise, Into Film, Selby Stars, Selby Netball, Wheelchair Football Association and Zixi alongside existing partners Aski-Da Taldea, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Clear-Com, CNN, Deluxe, IABM, IBC, InSync, IPLocker, Levira, OOONA, Platform Communications, Provys, SMPTE, Tanooki, Techex, and Vizrt.
Participating universities and education partners include: AFDA – Cape Town, Baltic Film and Media School, Bristol Academy of Media – UCWISE, BTS Audiovisuel Bayonne-Biarritz, California State University LA, CNN Academy, De Anza College – San Francisco, Griffith University – Brisbane, Make Happen Institute – Screenology Film School, Medieklyngen – Media Cluster Norway, Montgomery College- Washington, NaSTA, Ravensbourne University London, Southampton Solent University, Universidade de São Paulo – Brazil, University of Essex, Weston College, Whistling Woods International – Mumbai and University of Westminster, London which will act as a central hub for core broadcast operations from its Harrow media campus.
Doug Specht, head of School of Media and Communication at the University of Westminster, said, “This project gives our students the opportunity to work alongside industry practitioners in a real-world broadcast environment. Hosting On Air at the University’s Harrow Campus, where our media courses are based, allows students to gain hands-on experience at scale, while contributing to a global collaboration that mirrors how the media industry operates today.”
On Air 2026 will take place on 22-23rd October 2026.
