An exceptional and productive year has concluded for the inter-university educational program “Broadcasting Live on European School Radio – Journalist Production”, co-organized by the Department of Information and Electronic Engineering at the International Hellenic University and the Department of Journalism and Mass Media at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
This is the first Media Pedagogy program focused on sound, radio, and podcasts. It has been successfully implemented for the 10th consecutive year at the Alexandria Campus in Sindos, coordinated by the scientific society “EUROPEAN SCHOOL RADIO – THE FIRST STUDENT RADIO,” and supported by the Journalists’ Union of Macedonia and Thrace Daily Newspapers.
We are aware of numerous educational programs developed in collaboration with universities. But how many schools conduct real lessons within the university – and not just through guided tours?
In this case, a comprehensive program was designed with clear pedagogical goals and methodology, intended for implementation within the academic environment. Students don’t just visit the university – they actively participate, engage in learning experiences alongside university students, and, for a short time, become part of university life. They have the opportunity to explore radio both technologically and journalistically at an advanced level and through an interdisciplinary approach, via a specially designed curriculum that closely follows the principles of Pedagogical Science while drawing upon the academic expertise of both departments.
During the academic year, 17 educational visits took place with schools from across Greece, as well as from Italy, France, and Germany. More than 450 students participated in the European School Radio program, creating content for radio broadcasts through systematic preparation with Mentors. They took part in experiential workshops, produced their live broadcast from the studio, and delivered their messages as Active Citizens. At the same time, they gained an authentic experience of professional radio, training in roles such as Communication, Radio Journalism, Sound Engineering, Audio Editing, and Online Broadcasting under the guidance of the Pedagogical Team.
All productions are available at the following link: https://europeanschoolradio.eu/el/podcast/7935
The participation of the 7th Primary School of Neapoli in the program, captured in a short video:
https://youtu.be/JKaqN4VhNbk
A unique aspect of the program is the involvement of university students from the participating departments, who acted as educators and facilitators, applying their knowledge creatively and playfully.
By participating in radio events, such as the 13th Anniversary Celebration of European School Radio at Aristotelous Square on December 19, 2024, they enhanced the station’s outreach while also gaining valuable skills in organizing activities. T
Their involvement peaked with the design and implementation of educational actions at the 9th Student Radio Festival, held in Sithonia from April 9 to 12, 2025. The festival was co-funded by the European program Kids Radio Europe (Project GAP 101136199 / CREA-CROSS-2023-MEDIA LITERACY), with support from the Ministry of Culture and the Greek-German Youth Foundation. This innovative educational initiative, which for the first time brought together 650 students from Greece, Cyprus, France, and Germany, enhanced communication, collaboration, and artistic creativity. Through the production of podcasts and music content, students were allowed to express themselves freely, be entertained, and create, gaining meaningful benefits and experiencing the pedagogical value of creativity and imagination.
During the academic year, the student team supported the participation of the International Hellenic University in major events by providing radio and journalistic coverage, such as:
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88th Thessaloniki International Fair (September 7–15, 2024)
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39th International Tourism Exhibition Philoxenia-Hotelia (November 14–16, 2024)
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13th Anniversary Event of European School Radio at Aristotelous Square (December 19, 2024)
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E4E ROADSHOW – Future Skills for Engineers, at Alexandria Campus (March 6, 2025)
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TechSaloniki 2025, at Thessaloniki Concert Hall (May 16–17, 2025)
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Erasmus Staff Mobility Week: Strengthening Networks, Sharing Knowledge (May 26–30, 2025)
The success of the program underscores the dynamic role of European School Radio as a catalyst for open education, uniting schools, universities, and professional experience. It creates the conditions for students’ voices to grow stronger, be heard, inspire, and mobilize.
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