As has become tradition, the Transmedia Lab at UIC Barcelona was transformed on 13 February into a professional, non-stop radio studio, broadcasting live to mark World Radio Day, led and presented by students from the Faculty of Communication Sciences. The broadcast could be followed live on YouTube and on screens around the Barcelona campus, a pioneering initiative at the University.

With student Edu Aguirán serving as editorial lead and lecturer Javier Sáez responsible for the programme’s coordination and technical aspects, the UIC Radio Day schedule began at 09.00 with a news bulletin presented by Claudia Adame, Maria Delgado, Edu Aguirán and Anna Boenders, under the guidance of lecturer and journalist Francesc Cano. Alongside their review of current affairs, the students also interviewed Kilian Sebrià, a journalist at Catalunya Ràdio and lecturer in the Faculty. In a student-led initiative, Marina Sancho, Eloy Collazos and Marc Presseguer shared their professional experiences in radio with listeners.

Tot s’hi val: final edition

One of the highlights of the morning was the final episode of the podcast Tot s’hi val, led by Carlos Roiger, Adriana Arce and Marc García. Created within the Faculty, the programme brought together comments from UIC Barcelona students on potential improvements at the University, adopting a relaxed and conversational tone. The students also reflected on the idea of “endings”. The end of compulsory secondary school was something I found hard to accept because of the uncertainty. On the other hand, I was very relieved to finish upper secondary school because of all the stress that stage involved,” explained Adriana Arce.

Júlia Otero on Mayéutica, with Edu Aguirán

As part of World Radio Day, Edu Aguirán interviewed one of Spain’s most influential journalists, Júlia Otero, about her professional experience in radio. “I started at 17 at Ràdio Sabadell thanks to a boyfriend who wanted to work in radio. He ended up leaving it, and I’ve ended up working in it,” Otero recalled.  For her, however, World Radio Day is just another day of the year: “These days prompt reflection, but I’m an avid radio listener every day of the year, from when I wake up to when I go to bed,” she said.

Ens han venut la moto

Another programme produced in the Faculty’s facilities – which encourages students to use the Transmedia Lab for personal initiatives – is Ens han venut la moto, created by Nàdia Cordón, Marina Laborda, Carla Rojo and Anna Perez. With a humorous tone, they discussed Valentine’s Day and “San Solterín”(a light-hearted celebration for single people), in a conversational format among friends, focusing on the world of advertising campaigns.

Sport and gastronomy: Andreu Juanola in the studio

Students Carlos Roiger, Nico Vázquez, Marc Conesa and Oriol Mañé led the sports segment, with interviews featuring special guests such as Albert Rogé, a former student of UIC Barcelona and sporting director of the Kings League team Pío; Mireia Ruiz, a sports journalist at Catalunya Ràdio; and Dani Aguilà, a sports journalist at Rac1. Bridging sport and gastronomy, the Faculty’s students also invited comedian and presenter Andreu Juanola, known for launching one of Spain’s most popular podcasts, La Sotana. More recently, he has joined forces with Time Out to host the podcast La Cullerada. Together with entrepreneur Adrià Nolla, he shared gastronomic recommendations and culinary experiences with listeners.

Musical finale with Toma Nota

The programme was not only streamed but also included a live connection to the Faculty’s Digital Media Studio, featuring a performance by the artist Blas Blai. Students Jan Hernández, Marcos Küppers, Sergi Vázquez and Adriana Arce presented the music segment Toma Nota, another student-led initiative developed this academic year. The edition concluded with a performance by Los Rumbos, pre-recorded on the rooftop of the Alfa building on campus.

World Radio Day is celebrated annually on 13 February and the Faculty of Communication Sciences encourages students to take part in this university initiative and help bring to life one of the most historic and iconic journalistic, musical and entertainment formats.