Every December, as winter settles over Jönköping University and students rush through the final stretch of the semester, there is one tradition that lights up campus with warmth, music, and purpose. RadioK’s 36-Hour Broadcast has become one of JU’s most meaningful annual events, a non-stop livestream where creativity, community, and charity merge into a celebration of generosity.
This year’s theme, “Every child has the right to an education,” resonates deeply with the student community. At a university where studying is a daily reality, the event is a powerful reminder that millions of children around the world are denied the chance to learn, grow, and dream simply because they lack access to schooling. For RadioK, raising awareness and funds for this cause is not just a project, it is a responsibility.
The student radio has a long and vibrant history on campus. Founded in 1990 under the name Radio Frack and revived as K-Radio in 1994, it has always aimed to amplify important voices and shine a light on humanitarian issues. Today, RadioK continues that mission, producing podcasts each semester and cultivating a platform where students can explore topics that matter. But once a year, all of RadioK’s passion comes together in a marathon event planned for months by a dedicated team of 17 students. According to Tova, Head of RadioK, this year’s broadcast is the biggest they have ever organized, an achievement built on teamwork, structure, and countless hours of preparation.
The broadcast’s schedule, shared on Instagram (@radiokju), is packed with constant activity. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, the booth fills with guests from across the community, local organizations like Erikshjälpen, student associations such as JSA and Akavia, well-known personalities including HV71 hockey players, and volunteers like Hannah, who works directly with children in Africa. As evening arrives, the energy shifts into deeper, more reflective conversations, with philosophical discussions carrying the night. Between segments, listeners are treated to live performances by Gustav Sandberg, Mattias Sandberg, and Emie Esther, adding a personal, emotional soundtrack to the event.
Amid the interviews and music, several special activities bring their own charm to the broadcast. One of the most talked-about moments is the Sexmastery/Nation competition, a lively, entertaining challenge where six participants compete head-to-head for an entire hour. Another highlight is the Christmas market held at Campus Arena, where sponsors grill hamburgers, mystery bags wait to be opened, and a festive atmosphere brings students together. Everything sold during the event, from handmade patches to goodie bags, contributes directly to Musikhjälpen’s fundraiser. The beloved quiz with West Coast Nation also returns, bringing groups of students together in a joyful afternoon of competition and laughter.
Accessibility and transparency are central to the fundraiser. Donations are made through a QR-code bössa system linked directly to Musikhjälpen’s page, allowing contributions through Swish, PayPal, or card while ensuring donors can follow where their money goes. Students can also participate by bidding in RadioK’s impressive lineup of around 60 auctions. These include hotel nights, concert tickets, artwork, restaurant gift cards, gym memberships, and even free entrance to Akademien for an entire semester. All livestreamed on Twitch and soon through RadioK’s own developing website, the broadcast invites the entire campus to participate in real time.
Organizing such a large-scale event does not come without challenges. Coordinating sponsors, managing locations, arranging technical setups, and securing items for auction are all tasks that require meticulous planning and constant communication. Still, what motivated the team most was watching the pieces fall into place. For Tova, the most rewarding moment was seeing months of commitment pay off as the broadcast came alive. The team’s passion, she says, is what makes the event not only possible but powerful.
What truly defines the RadioK 36-Hour Broadcast, however, is its sense of community. It brings students, organizations, nations, staff, sponsors, performers, and volunteers together with the shared purpose of helping others. As Heather, Vice Head of RadioK, explains, when people unite behind a meaningful cause, a special kind of energy emerges. For students at JU, where education is part of everyday life, supporting a cause that ensures other children around the world can access schooling feels especially personal. The event is also tied to the spirit of the holiday season, the idea that caring for one another, giving back, and showing kindness are values to carry beyond the broadcast itself.
When asked to describe the event in just three words, the RadioK team chose “heartwarming, fun, and important.” It’s a fitting summary. Not only does the broadcast entertain the campus for 36 continuous hours, it reminds students of their ability to make a difference. The team’s fundraising goal is 100,200 SEK, with hopes of reaching 150,000 SEK a target they feel optimistic about given the enthusiasm already building across campus.
Looking to the future, RadioK hopes to expand the scale of the event even further. With more sponsors, larger activities, a broader range of guests, and new surprises for the public, the team envisions the broadcast growing into an even more integral part of JU tradition. But for now, the invitation is simple: show up, tune in, support the cause, and be part of something bigger.
RadioK’s 36-Hour Broadcast isn’t just an event to watch, it’s an opportunity to contribute to a global movement. Whether through a donation, a visit to the Christmas market, a bid in the auction, or participation in the competitions, every contribution helps give a child the chance to receive an education. And for students who want to take part in the project next year, RadioK is always open to new members with passion and creativity to offer.
In the end, this broadcast is more than a fundraiser. It is a testament to community spirit, a reminder of the privilege of education, and a celebration of what students can achieve when they come together with compassion and purpose.
Writer: Bruna Coeli Siqueira
