Open Student Television Network To Showcase Talent of European Students

GÉANT2 provides essential network link between United States and Europe -- Open Student Television Network (OSTN), the only 24-hour, 7-day global channel exclusively devoted to student-produced programming, today takes the first step towards expansion within the European Union (EU). Supported via the GÉANT2 network, which is managed by research networking organisation DANTE, the expansion will help meet EU students’ demand for the channel. GÉANT2 is the world’s most advanced research and education network, co-funded by Europe's National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) and the European Commission. DANTE manages the network. OSTN features diverse student-produced programming ranging from short- and feature-length films, documentaries and performing arts, to news and cultural programming. Currently reaching more than three million users in the United States via Internet2’s network, which connects 208 U.S. research and education institutions and 35 U.S. state education networks, the channel can be viewed on both televisions and personal computers. At OSTN, students create content and make the programming decisions necessary for the network to appeal to its peer-viewing audience. OSTN provides opportunities for students through resources, community, exposure and experience. OSTN is an initiative of the CampusEAI Consortium, a non-profit organisation dedicated to facilitating development and exchange of community-source software and digital content. “Seen as the minor league of Hollywood, OSTN is a showcase for the best student talent,” said Prashant Chopra, Chief Executive Officer of OSTN. “By using GÉANT2 we will be able to satisfy and cater to rapidly growing demand for the channel outside of the United States. We already receive daily contributions from students at universities in the EU and these new links will help to promote an ongoing programme of cultural exchange.” Dai Davies, General Manager of DANTE, said: “The GÉANT2 network will provide students throughout Europe with access to a platform where they can display their talents. We’re also pleased to announce that footage of work undertaken by GÉANT2 premieres on OSTN next month.” The footage broadcast on OSTN will provide an overview of GÉANT2’s benefits and achievements resulting from the collaborative approach taken by the project partners by featuring interviews with GÉANT2 network users, the European Commission, European Parliament and engineers from DANTE. “By giving students a means for disseminating their creations, talents and research results to everyone worldwide, GÉANT2 and OSTN are taking a pioneering step along the road to empowering students and academia at large,” said Latif Ladid, President of IPv6 Forum and Chair, European IPv6 Task Force.