- On Air 2026 expands from a single livestream to a multi-channel global student broadcast
- MTM confirms the formation of a new advisory board to support the continued growth of On Air
- New industry partners announced, including the BBC, Into Film, and SVG Europe as headline partner for On Air Sport
The Media Talent Manifesto (MTM) today announces the return of On Air, the world’s largest student-led broadcast, which will take place on 22 October 2026. Building on the success of its inaugural year, On Air 2026 will significantly expand its scale and ambition, bringing together students, educators and industry partners from around the world for a landmark multi-channel global broadcast.
First delivered in October 2025, MTM’s On Air connected universities, colleges and schools across six continents in a continuous 24-hour livestream produced entirely by students. The project involved more than 1,000 students, staff and industry volunteers globally and demonstrated the impact of giving emerging talent real-world responsibility using professional-grade workflows and technologies.
For 2026, On Air returns as a larger, more ambitious edition, introducing multiple dedicated channels spanning culture, news, sport, film and children’s content. This expanded format will allow greater participation from universities and schools worldwide, enabling real-time collaboration between student teams operating across different countries and time zones. Students will work across the full media technology supply chain, supported by industry professionals and partners, gaining experience that mirrors the realities of modern global broadcasting.
To support the continued development of On Air as it expands in 2026 MTM has also confirmed the formation of an advisory board. The board brings together senior leaders from across media, technology and education, and includes Laura Meyer, Ben Keen, Dushi Thangarajah and Stephen Stewart.
Carrie Wootten, Founder of MTM, said: “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 supporting MTM’s global student broadcast include new joiners for 2026 BBC, Disguise, Into Film, Selby Stars, Selby Netball, SVG Europe, 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.
SVG Europe has been confirmed as the headline partner for On Air Sport, working with MTM to support and inspire new talent entering the sports broadcast industry. As part of the initiative, SVG Europe will contribute content focused on career pathways and practical first steps into sports production, and will collaborate with the On Air team on panel sessions during the broadcast.
New On Partner Into Film’s Filmmaking Lead, Peter Murray added “Into Film are proud to support On Air 26 and to develop our ongoing partnership with Carrie Wootten and the Media Careers Podcast as part of our Young Creatives and Screen Careers work with educators and young people. As the UK’s leading film education charity, we passionately support educators and careers professionals in helping young people explore careers in the screen industries and through filmmaking. On Air’s mission to provide accessible screen industry access is an exciting opportunity for us to share our wealth of resources and expertise”
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 hosting On Air 2026 reflects the university’s commitment to industry-connected education. “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 broadcast live globally on 22–23 October 2026, with content available on demand following the event.
To find out more, including how to get involved, visit: http://mediatalentmanifesto.com/on-air