The highly anticipated International Student Broadcasting Championship (ISBC) returns for its 2025 edition, promising another exciting season of global student media talent discovery and competition.
ISBC has become a pivotal platform for developing students and graduates worldwide, providing opportunities for networking, feedback, personal brand development, and launching careers in the media industry. “The primary focus of ISBC is development and what makes ISBC special is the actual feedback and access provided to our student community on an international level from industry professionals” said Phillip Vinciullo, co-founder of ISBC.
A Platform Built for Transition
Founded by education and industry leaders, ISBC helps students make the leap from campus to career. In 2025, the Championship will also launch the ISBC Jobs Portal, giving graduates and faculty access to international entry-level roles and industry pathways.
“In today’s climate, graduates need more than recognition. They need opportunities.” Vinciullo added. “Our job is to help them get a foot in the door.”
Annwen Burrows, Co-Founder of ISBC, reinforced the mission:
“ISBC isn’t just about celebrating winners. It’s about equipping every entrant with tools, connections, and confidence to succeed in a fast-changing industry.”
Expanding to Meet Industry Demand
Five new ISBC TV categories will debut in 2025, covering news presenting, sports commentary, play-by-play, colour analysis, and journalism.
“This expansion opens the competition up to an even more diverse field of entries, giving students with a passion for television news & sports presenting the chance to showcase their skills on an international stage.” said Marcel Marais, Co-founder of ISBC.
Pictured Above: ISBC 2024 Station of the Year Winners, WJCU 88.7 FM (Proudly representing John Carroll University in Cleveland).
Global Reach, Proven Impact
In 2024, ISBC drew entries from institutions across five continents, reached more than three million people on social media, and was judged by over 50 industry experts from 21 countries in 18 languages. Last year’s Station of the Year title went to WJCU, John Carroll University (USA), cementing their reputation as one of the world’s top student-run broadcasters.
Highlights also included winners from South Africa, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and the UK, proving ISBC’s reach is as diverse as it is global.
“The real joy is watching students from different cultures cheer each other on,” Marais said. “It’s a reminder that ISBC is building more than careers, it’s building a worldwide community.”
Notable Winners:
- Margaret DiRoma of WOLF Radio, University of West Georgia (USA), won three individual awards: Best New Podcast, Best Podcast Pitch, and Best News Feature.
- Toby Penman, Youth’s Choice (Global Academy, England), achieved back-to-back victories for Best On-Air Talent whilst also winning this year’s Best Music Presenter.
- Matt & Issy for Breakfast, Shock Radio, University of Salford (England), also earned consecutive wins for Best On-Air Team.
- Rising Star: Asha Pickering, BOOM Radio, North Metro TAFE (Australia)
- Best Specialty Show: Tshepang Moji, Indie Hour, Tuks FM, University of Pretoria (South Africa)
- Best Voiceover: Alan Grant, Juice FM, Cork College FET (Ireland)
- Best Sports Play-by-Play: Zayden Vergara, CFRC, Queen's University (Canada)
Pictured Above: ISBC Founders visiting USA college stations in April.
Station of the Year: Award, Summit & Global Tour
One of ISBC’s defining traditions is taking the competition beyond the screen and into campuses. Each year, the ISBC team personally visits the winning Station of the Year, delivering the trophy on campus and hosting an ISBC Media Summit with students.
In April 2024, the team travelled to the United States to honour WJCU at John Carroll University, presenting them with the award and leading delivering a summit of workshops, panels, and networking discussions. The North American tour also included a stop at WVBR, Cornell University, the 2024 People’s Choice Station of the Year, alongside visits to campuses coast to coast.
This annual tradition not only celebrates excellence but creates in-person connections that last far beyond the competition. In 2025, the ISBC team is already preparing to discover which campus will host the next global summit as part of the ISBC 2026 World Tour.
How to Enter
Students can submit their entries through the ISBC website, which features user-friendly submission processes, detailed category listings, and a wealth of resources, including tips from industry professionals. The platform also offers ongoing support and advice, making it easier for participants to navigate the competition.
Judging and Awards
ISBC’s judging panel consists of current media professionals from some of the world’s leading companies, ensuring that entries are evaluated with industry-relevant criteria. The winners will be announced during a live-streamed finale on November 18th, 2025.
Key Dates for ISBC 2025:
- Entries Open: September
- Entries Close: October 27th, 2025
- Finale and Winners Announcement: November 18th, 2025
Join the ISBC Community
With the competition open for submissions, ISBC invites students from around the world to participate and join a growing global network of emerging media talent. For more information, entry details, and the latest updates, visit ISBC.CO and follow ISBC on LinkedIn.
ISBC – Where Talent Meets Opportunity.
