ISBC expands student media competition globally

The International Student Broadcasting Championship has opened its 2026 competition to student broadcasters, journalists, podcasters, video creators, producers, digital storytellers and esports casters worldwide. Last year’s competition recognized winners and runners-up from 12 countries across five continents. Shock Radio at the University of Salford in Manchester, U.K., received the 2025 Station of the Year award.

Entries for this year’s competition open Sept. 1 and close Oct. 30. ISBC will announce the winners during its online grand finale on Dec. 3.

Students can submit work across broadcasting, podcasting, journalism, television and video, digital content, production and esports categories. Working media professionals from around the world will assess the entries from Nov. 9–20. The ISBC People’s Choice competition will run alongside the professional judging during the same period.

ISBC created the championship to help emerging media creators move from education into professional careers. Phillip Vinciullo, founder of ISBC, noted that industry recognition represents only part of that objective. “The bigger challenge is what happens next. How do we help talented students become visible to industry? How do we help educators create stronger connections with the professional world?” he said.

During the grand finale on Dec. 3, ISBC will also launch its Talent Hub, a year-round platform designed to connect students, faculty and media organizations. The platform will offer emerging creators opportunities to increase their professional visibility, access resources and connect with the wider media industry. It will expand ISBC’s work beyond the annual competition.

ISBC co-founder Marcel Marais argued that international exposure can help address unequal access to professional opportunities. “A student creating content in Manchester, Manila, Perth, Pretoria or Pennsylvania can suddenly have their work placed in front of professionals and other creators on the other side of the world,” Marais said. “Talent exists everywhere. Opportunity doesn’t always exist everywhere. ISBC is about helping close that gap.” 

Students can find competition categories, eligibility details and entry requirements here. They can register here.

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