Ravensbourne University London hosts record breaking global student-led broadcast
On October 16, 2025, Ravensbourne University London became the global hub for On Air – the world’s largest ever student-led broadcast.
Over the space of 24 hours, more than 500 students from 18 institutions across six continents produced a continuous livestream of original programming, connecting creative communities around the world through a single YouTube channel.
Hosted from Ravensbourne’s master control room by Youth TV presenters Urban Judge, Acacia Daniel and Mya Harris, alongside former Gladiator Suzie Cox (Vogue), the broadcast followed the sun from Sydney to Los Angeles, showcasing the next generation of talent in media and entertainment.
Carrie quote
Ravensbourne has been absolutely at the heart of what we’re doing here. It’s the institution that has kept the event ticking – that central hub connecting all the universities. I honestly couldn’t think of a better place to start. It’s a phenomenal university with incredible students and talent.”
On Air gallery
Ravensbourne’s staff and students took on a triple role, producing an hour of their own live content, hosting an alumni event broadcast as part of the stream, and managing the channel’s entire technical and editorial workflow across 24 hours.
At the heart of On Air was innovation, powered by cloud-based workflows from Amazon Web Services (AWS), AI-driven subtitling and translation tools alongside the first production use of the Time Addressable Media Store (TAMS), developed by BBC R&D. These mechanisms enabled real-time content sharing and collaborative editing between student teams across the globe.
The event was also supported by industry networks including CNN, AWS, ITV Studios, Vizrt, Deluxe, Rise Academy, NEP, and Clear-Com.
Scott quote
Ravensbourne has such great facilities, which has made it easy for people to get involved. What’s really special is that the students get hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, things they might not usually get access to, so it’s a fantastic opportunity for them to experiment, learn new things, and work alongside professionals.”
A highlight of the programme was a special segment filmed at CNN’s London studios, where Year 8 students across 17 Wandsworth Council schools – part of the London Borough of Culture 2025 initiative – took part in their first live broadcast experience.
As the final transmission signed off in Los Angeles, the 24-hour livestream represented the beginning of a new global network for creative collaboration.
Ravensbourne University London is proud to have taken part in On Air, where our students gained access to real world insights and opportunities that equip them for success in their chosen industries.
To rewatch the highlights of On Air, click here.
Institutions taking part in On Air 2025 included:
- Ravensbourne University London, London, UK
- AFDA, Cape Town, South Africa
- Baltic Film, Media and Arts School, Tallinn, Estonia
- BTS Audiovisuel Bayonne-Biarritz, Biarritz, France
- California State University, Los Angeles, USA
- CNN Academy, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- De Anza College, San Francisco, USA
- Grafisch Lyceum, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- Stuttgart Media University (SMPTE), Stuttgart, Germany
- Lycée René Cassin, Biarritz, France
- Medieklyngen – Media Cluster Norway, Bergen, Norway
- Montgomery College, Washington DC, USA
- University of São Paulo (in partnership with Faculdade Casper Libero), São Paulo, Brazil
- University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
- TAFE NSW (SMPTE), Sydney, Australia
- University of York, York, UK
- Whistling Woods, Mumbai, India