Dietmar Schott, Creator of Bundesliga Radio Conference, Dies at 88
The co-creator of the iconic ARD radio conference transformed how Germany experienced football.
Dietmar Schott, the broadcasting visionary who co-created the legendary ARD Bundesliga radio conference, has died at 88. His innovation fundamentally changed how millions of German football fans experienced live matches, turning a simple radio broadcast into a cultural phenomenon. Schott's brainchild, the Bundesliga radio conference, allowed listeners to follow multiple games simultaneously, with live updates and commentary switching between stadiums.
This format, launched in the 1970s, became a Saturday afternoon ritual for generations of fans, creating a shared, immersive experience that rivaled television coverage. The conference's impact extended beyond mere entertainment. It democratized access to the Bundesliga, reaching fans in cars, workplaces, and homes without TV access.
