Commentator Frank Buschmann is leaving his job as a football commentator after almost 30 years. After the 2022/2023 Bundesliga season, “Buschi” should no longer be heard from the off on TV.
In an interview with “sportjournalist.de”, the former second division basketball player sharply criticized the industry, which Buschmann says has changed a lot. “I now find everything around it difficult to unbearable,” said the 58-year-old.
“The moment I’m at the microphone in the conference at Sky, I love my job. But outside of the 90 minutes, I got sick of the people in the shop who say they’re doing it out of love for the sport and for the fans.”
“That’s a lie.” For years, Buschmann commented for broadcasters such as Sky, Sport 1, Arena, Liga total. At ProSieben and SAT.1 he hosted numerous basketball, soccer and NFL games.
The graduate sports scientist already indicated his withdrawal from the industry in the summer. In June he told the media magazine “DWDL”: “The way sport is presented and broadcast nowadays is not really my world anyway”. Now Buschmann repeated his concern – also because TV journalism in Germany lacks transparency, according to the sports expert.
He also chalks up the “dependency relationships” within the industry. “The mere fact that the spokesman determines which players appear for the interview is a joke,” complained Buschmann. He fears that through restrictions of this kind, “thoroughbred reporters will die out”.
The passion with which he has commented for years “can hardly be afforded by young colleagues,” Buschmann stated.
Reporters on streaming services or on TV are now often simply “insanely softened” because they didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes – such as the DFL, a club, coach or player.
Buschmann, on the other hand, will continue to work for RTL in the future. Since 2016 he has been moderating the format “Ninja Warrior Germany – Germany’s strongest show” alongside Jan Köppen and Laura Wontorra. He can also be seen regularly as a presenter on “RTL Turmsprung”.
In 2011 and 2013 he received the silver Herbert Award in the category “Best Sports Commentator”. This was followed in 2015 and 2019 by the “German Sports Journalist Award” in the category “Best Sports Commentator”.
Surf tips:
More news from the world of sport:
In an interview with the “Süddeutsche” and “The Athletic”, Manuel Neuer sharply criticized those responsible at FC Bayern for throwing Toni Tapalovic out. Munich’s reaction was not long in coming. Club boss Oliver Kahn has little understanding for the statements of the goalkeeper.
After surprising developments on Deadline Day, Marcel Sabitzer’s move to Manchester United has been completed. The Austrian plays on loan at the Red Devils until the end of the season. His adviser became clear about the change and also shot against Julian Nagelsmann.
The original of this post “Intolerable, mendacious”: Frank Buschmann becomes clear shortly before farewell” comes from the Teleschau.
