100 years ago, the first football match was broadcast live on German radio. Back then, newspapers printed “orientation maps” with grid squares so listeners could follow where the ball was on the field. But it quickly became clear: that wasn’t necessary. Because radio does more than deliver facts – it creates images in the mind.
The magic of radio lies in the power of language and voice. With passion, eloquence, and the ambient sounds of the stadium, reporters bring the game to life for millions of listeners. Everyone forms their own mental picture; emotions and atmosphere are transmitted directly into the living room – without visual overload.
No other medium – not television, not the internet – has managed to replace this unique connection between sport and audience in 100 years. Radio remains the medium that creates closeness, evokes emotion, and turns experiences into something truly special.
Conclusion: You don’t need to see it to be part of it. Radio turns every match into a movie in your mind – and that’s timelessly fascinating.
Bernhard Ernst was the first to report live from a football stadium on German radio in 1925.
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FAZ, November 1, 2025