students showcase broadcast skills to global audience

Solent University was one of 35 institutions taking part in the ambitious project, which saw students collaborate across continents to create 24 hours of continuous live programming.

The 24-hour event began in Australia before moving through different countries and time zones. Broadcast live on YouTube and TikTok via the MTM channel, the project gave students the opportunity to create content for a global audience while working to professional industry standards.

Solent students created, broadcast and distributed a one-hour live sports magazine programme combining live interviews with pre-recorded reports highlighting sporting stories from across the University and the wider region, including basketball, swimming, cheerleading, wheelchair rugby and road cycling.

More than 40 staff, students and industry professionals worked together to create the broadcast, taking responsibility for every stage of the production process, from scriptwriting and presenting to gallery and television studio operations, location filming, outside broadcasting, channel creation, playout, distribution, post-production, editing and social media.

Kate O'Driscoll, Senior Lecturer in Television Production at Solent University, said, "This broadcast offered our students a rare opportunity to experience the demands of a large-scale live production while developing the technical, creative and professional skills employers are looking for.

“These opportunities are invaluable in building the skills, experience and confidence that are necessary to make it in the industry. They give our students the chance to demonstrate their professional practice and apply their skills in a real-world setting," she added.

Television Production student Milo Euling, one of the show's co-producers, said, "This was an amazing project to work on. It has taught me to be adaptable and flexible when plans change. It has also given me extensive experience working collaboratively with technical staff and external contributors, making me feel confident about working in the industry."

The live programme was directed by Television Production student Zac Livingstone, who oversaw the complex operation across multiple locations and production areas on the day. He said, "I feel very privileged to have been given the responsibility because directing has always been my ambition. It has been a valuable chance to develop my skills in a professional production environment."

Reflecting on the experience, he said, "The biggest challenges have been logistical. We are filming both in the television studio and in the sports hall, which means coordinating multiple locations, managing schedules and ensuring everyone is in the right place at the right time."

Two recent Television Production graduates Alex Dobson and Spencer Bedder returned to campus to help mentor the production team and share their industry experience.

Alex, now working as a freelance broadcast engineer, said, "I wanted to come back to support On Air 2026 because this is what I love doing. I came to Solent to study television production, and I now work in outside broadcasting. I want to share that passion with current students and help inspire the next generation entering the industry."

Fellow graduate Spencer, who has just got his first job in the industry after graduating in July said, "What helped me get a job so quickly after graduating was the additional experience I was able to gain while studying at Southampton Solent. Opportunities like this, assisting in studios, working on festivals and taking part in practical projects gave me valuable experience that prepared me for employment in the industry."