Photo of students of GUST gathered around CRT monitors

Glasgow University Student Television (GUST), the world’s oldest student-run television station, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

On October 9, at an event organised by Student TV Alumni Network the stations' rich broadcasting heritage was spotlighted.

The celebrations brought together alumni, current students, and media professionals to mark six decades of innovative student broadcasting.

Since its inception in 1964, GUST has been a trailblazer in student media, predating many professional television stations around the world. The station has served as a launchpad for numerous successful careers in broadcasting, journalism, and media production. Notable alumni include Steven Moffat (Doctor Who, Sherlock), John Hardie (former ITN Chief Executive), Andrew Neil (Daily Politics), and Academy Award winner Alex Graham (Man On Wire).

Bethany Gillespie, GUST Controller for 2024-25, emphasised the station’s legacy and said: “For 60 years, GUST has been at the forefront of student media, providing a platform for countless aspiring broadcasters, producers, and technicians. Our anniversary isn’t just about celebrating our past; it’s about securing our legacy for the next 60 years and beyond.”

A key focus for the 60th anniversary celebrations has been the GUST Archive Preservation Project, which has helped to gather and protect GUST’s extensive archive. This includes footage documenting student life, cultural shifts, and historical moments across six decades.

Billy Connolly and GUST. Credit Malcolm Boddie

Former GUST Controller, Sarah Battensby, took part in the event and spoke of her experiences with the GUST archives, 10 years on from the GUST50 project, in addition to her career in archiving for television post-graduation.

Ms Battensby said: “The GUST archives are a treasure trove of student television history. From 80s detective dramas starring Steven Moffat to 90s student takeovers of BBC2, our library offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of both student media and British culture.”

The GUST archive, now being held by the University of Glasgow’s Archives & Special Collections, is a hybrid collection of paper, tape, and digital materials dating back to the station’s founding in 1964. The collection reflects the evolution of student media over time and underscores the importance of archival preservation.

Emma Yan, Assistant Archivist at the University of Glasgow’s Archives & Special Collections, said: “The GUST archive is a unique record of student television and its role in capturing key moments in both university and cultural history. By safeguarding this material, we ensure that future generations can access and appreciate the creativity, innovation, and impact of student broadcasting. Our digital preservation programme ensures that GUST’s content will continue to be available for decades to come.”

As GUST continues to adapt to the changing media landscape, it remains dedicated to its founding principles of creativity, innovation, and student empowerment. The station’s archives not only preserve its history but also serve as a window into the shifting landscape of British media and culture.

First published: 10 October 2024

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