On October 16, 2025, something extraordinary happened. In a 24-hour continuous broadcast that spanned the globe from Sydney to Los Angeles, the next generation of media talent took control. This was On Air 2025, a groundbreaking live production event that brought together over 500 students from 17 universities across six continents. For one full day, these aspiring professionals told their own stories, their way, using the same professional-grade tools from Vizrt that power the world’s biggest broadcasters.
The idea for On Air 2025 was born from a simple conversation but grew into a global movement. As we at Vizrt previously highlighted in our partnership with the World Skills Café, investing in the future of media is not just a responsibility but a passion. The initial concept, a student workshop in Bergen, was expanded by the Global Media & Entertainment Talent Manifesto into an unprecedented global broadcast. The goal was ambitious yet clear: to spark curiosity, build confidence, and give students invaluable hands-on experience in live production, all while connecting a worldwide community of future media leaders.
This event was more than just an educational exercise. It was a live, high-stakes demonstration of skill, creativity, and collaboration on a global scale. And the results were nothing short of inspiring.
Real Tools, Real Pressure, Real Results
To make On Air 2025 a true-to-life experience, students were given access to a full suite of Vizrt’s industry-leading technology. The main production hub at Ravensbourne University in London was the heart of the operation. Here, students managed the core infrastructure using TriCaster Vizion, Viz Flowics, and other powerful Vizrt solutions. With support and mentorship from the Vizrt UK team, they ensured seamless transitions between international segments and maintained the broadcast’s integrity across every time zone.
Meanwhile, in Bergen, Norway, the Vizrt team constructed a fully automated show with the help of Viz Mosart, TriCaster Vizion, and Viz Flowics. This professional setup was then handed over to students from the University of Bergen. With just a few hours of training, they were tasked with creating all their content in three hours before going live for their one-hour segment. This simulated the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of a modern newsroom, pushing students to adapt and perform under real-world conditions.
Margrethe Berg Ohnstad, who led the Bergen team, reflected on the intensity and reward of the experience. “We planned an ambitious schedule for the students on the day, with the real risk that we might not have everything ready in time for their live broadcast,” she said. “We wanted each student group to really feel the pressure and excitement of a true live production. And the students absolutely delivered!”
The sentiment was echoed by those on the ground. “They ran the show using the same tools the pros use,” one observer noted, “and most said they’d do it again tomorrow if they could.”
Voices from the Front Line
The success of On Air 2025 was powered by the passion of both the students and the Vizrt professionals who volunteered their time. Their experiences highlight the event’s profound impact.
Niki Whittle, the Delivery Lead for the project, worked to keep all the global moving parts in sync. She volunteered because she saw a chance to help students find their footing in the industry. “I talk to a lot of graduates who are still struggling… and there’s a real risk that they’ll move into other industries,” she explained. “If we can help them build connections earlier… I hope it can ease that uncertainty and help them feel more confident in their career paths.”
Despite logistical hurdles and the challenges of cloud production, Niki found the experience immensely rewarding. “Seeing it all finally come together, and seeing how proud the students were after delivering it, was truly rewarding. We had 24 hours of students and professionals around the world really championing each other… and that’s exactly the kind of industry I want to see!”
In Bergen, Jonas Høiby, a student leader who mentored his peers, was blown away by the professionalism of the event. “Getting to try out Vizrt’s products and do it in a professional setting was a unique opportunity, and I know all the students really appreciated it,” he shared. “All in all, it was an amazing experience, and several of the students have said that it gave them a taste for working in the industry.”
Phillip Lusk, a student from the University of Bergen, summed up his experience simply: “It was a really fun project! I had a great time, and it was a brilliant opportunity to… learn lots of cool programs from Vizrt, and mingle a bit with the people there. All in all, an awesome experience!”
A Global Stage for Emerging Talent
The 24-hour stream was broadcast live on YouTube, attracting over 10,000 views and showcasing the incredible work of students from around the world. From the technical execution of the broadcast to the creative storytelling within each segment, the students demonstrated remarkable adaptability, creativity, and a genuine passion for their craft. The feedback from participants and viewers was overwhelmingly positive, with many students expressing immense pride in their work and a newfound excitement for their future careers.
Margrethe Berg Ohnstad proudly noted that the Bergen students produced “one of the funniest and most lighthearted segments of the entire event,” a testament to their creativity under pressure. She also highlighted a key takeaway for the Vizrt team: “It was a great reminder of how important it is to actually use our own products to truly understand the challenges our customers face.”
This hands-on approach did more than just create a great broadcast; it inspired a new generation. “By showing them what happens behind the scenes,” Margrethe added, “I think we inspired not only future reporters and journalists but also future operators and technologists.”
Shaping the Future of Media
On Air 2025 was far more than a one-day broadcast; it was a bold investment in the future of the media industry. By providing students with access to professional tools and placing them in real-world scenarios, Vizrt and its partners are actively helping to shape the next generation of content creators, video storytellers, and media innovators.
Carrie Wootten, co-founder of the Global Media & Entertainment Talent Manifesto, emphasized the event’s broader significance. “On Air showcased how collaboration and innovation across the industry can shape and support the future pipeline of talent into the sector,” she stated. “It’s clear this is more than an event, it’s a movement.”
We are incredibly proud of our global and local teams who worked tirelessly to make this ambitious project a reality. Their dedication to the solutions we create, and more importantly, to the people who use them, was on full display.
Here’s to the students who made On Air 2025 an unforgettable success. We can’t wait to see what they do next. We’re pretty sure we’ll be seeing them again very soon, this time as our professional colleagues.
Stay tuned for our upcoming video case study, which will offer a deeper look into the moments that made On Air 2025 so special.
Discover Vizrt solutions used by the students:
Viz FlowicsComprehensive HTML5 cloud platform for creating and controlling live data-driven graphics in your productions.
TriCaster® VizionOur most advanced TriCaster ever: Choose your Hardware, Choose your Configuration, Choose your License.
Viz MosartViz Mosart studio automation is your 24/7 broadcast production assistant. By automating repetitive tasks, you can focus on telling more compelling and complex planned and breaking news stories.
