CONFERENCE
Kivi is a student-produced online television-format show created by students of the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Latvia (UL). It offers a unique opportunity to gain real media work experience alongside studies. Through the production process, students acquire skills in producing, filming, editing, teamwork, as well as in finding stories and transforming them into audiovisual content. Kivi is a safe space for students to test their abilities in practice, build confidence, establish contacts, and overcome creative challenges.
The show was founded at the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Social Sciences on 2 November 2010, becoming the first student-produced online broadcast in Latvia. Its origins trace back to September 2010, when lecturer Rolands Tjarve mentioned during a class that the newly established multimedia studio at the faculty was underused. This inspired a group of students to seize the opportunity. At the first meeting, eight students gathered—Šarlote Abiļēviča, Nika Aleksejeva, Agrita Alkšere, Uldis Burkevics, Santa Dakule, Mārtiņš Lūsis, Baiba Runce, and Roberts Vīksne—who became the founding creators of Kivi.
One of the most challenging yet exciting tasks was choosing a name. Options included Que?, Tomats, NAŠBLURS, and Kaste TV. However, the name Kivi immediately resonated with most of the team and was chosen as the final title.
“Fresh, green, juicy!”—this was how the first Kivi team described themselves and their work. The first season premiered on 2 November 2010 on the video-sharing platform Vimeo, which also hosted the second season. Starting with the third season, Kivi episodes have been available on YouTube. Today, the channel boasts more than 3,000 subscribers, 700 published videos, and nearly 1.7 million views.
Since its inception, Kivi has brought together around 150 participants, many of whom have gone on to build careers in leading Latvian media outlets. Among them are Baiba Runce, Artūrs Špaks, Lelde Ceriņa, Ilze Vēbere, Baiba Vīksna, Linda Spundiņa, Laura Zaķe, and others.
Until the 8th season (inclusive), the show was produced solely by students, with occasional consultations from lecturer and project initiator Rolands Tjarve. From the 9th season onwards, Kivi’s organizational model changed: for the first time, a season was produced during the summer (10 July – 4 September), and one of the founding members, Roberts Vīksne, became the producer.
The project’s goal is to give students the opportunity to practice television production in an environment that closely mirrors real-life broadcasting. The work is often challenging, demanding, and exhausting, yet also deeply creative and rewarding.
The production cycle begins each October, when students are invited to apply for training that lasts until the launch of the new season—traditionally on the first Friday of February—and concludes at the end of the academic year.
Enjoy watching!
Contact:
If you are interested in joining the team, please write to: roberts.viksne@lu.lv