Television: The one with the capital B. – Showmaster Kerner is 60 years old

The word jack of all trades fits few people as well as Johannes B. Kerner. It takes quite a few hands to count the many shows, sports programs, talk formats, galas and events that the Hamburg native has moderated since the early 1990s, especially for ZDF and Sat.1. From “ran” (Sat.1) to the ZDF talk with his name to “The Quiz Champion” on the second. Now the presenter, journalist, sports expert and show host is 60 years old.

The moderation on the garbage can

Of course that makes you think. “According to all scientific research, I have come to the sad conclusion that it is now half time. But I am determined to spend the next 60 years wisely,” explains Kerner, typically in a good mood, in an interview with the German Press Agency.

Does he see himself as the much-maligned old white man? “To be honest, the discussion completely passed me by,” says the TV star. “That’s too much of a drawer for me.” However, he wanted to watch Simon Verhoeven’s current film, “Old White Man” with Jan Josef Liefers.

Kerner always had a fixed goal in mind professionally: “I knew what I wanted to be even when I was in elementary school – a sports journalist on television. I annoyed my friends by commenting on it when we kicked around on the garbage cans,” he recalls himself and smiles.

ZDF has just extended its contract

His heroes were called Heribert Faßbender and Ernst Huberty. He finds sport fascinating, including the presentation. “The feeling of being close and smelling the smell of sweat from the cabins. Likewise the smell of bratwurst and beer and an honest atmosphere.”

Kerner skipped his business studies for an internship at the then broadcaster Freies Berlin – and took off. “I am humbled and grateful for all the opportunities I have had in my professional life. Also for all the private things I have been able to experience,” says the father of four, who has been married for the second time since the beginning of the year.

According to Kerner, he prefers to look forward rather than back. “For me, the next round is always the most interesting. I’m primarily interested in the events themselves – what surprising things will happen again. Always thinking and empathizing. Just think of the new elections in February – they were held four weeks ago “I find something like that incredibly exciting,” says the Hamburg native, who regularly follows Bundestag debates in his private life, explaining his attitude to life.

It probably fits that – with one exception – he never wanted a permanent position: “I always felt very comfortable with the freedom. I never had a manager – I always did everything myself, including all the mistakes.” And he’s good at business. ZDF has just extended its contract – until the end of 2027.

He had fun on 95 percent of the shows

What has changed in the TV industry since the 1990s? “Like everything in life, there has been a lot of speed. Everything has to happen faster, the deadlines are shorter,” replies the media man. “There is a basic vibration everywhere – so that sometimes you ask yourself whether it wouldn’t be better to think first. Turn your head on before you talk.” Then he adds: “Nevertheless, there are incredibly beautiful TV highlights – for example in sports broadcasts, in the entertainment sector and in the news broadcasts of the public broadcasters.” You just have to take a closer look and choose carefully.

How does he himself explain his success with the audience? Kerner thinks for a moment. “I like to prepare very intensively for all programs. Firstly, out of respect for the content, my colleagues and of course the viewers. And then there is this irrepressible desire to do something. I can claim for myself, that I had extreme fun on 95 percent of all the shows I did.”

At times, Kerner also had to take criticism – for example for various advertising activities while he worked for a public broadcaster.

Christian faith as a foundation

Faith forms a foundation in his life. “I’m a Christian – but of course I also respect all other religions. Values ​​of my Catholic faith such as charity and solidarity play a big role for me.”

Nevertheless, he, whose B. stands for the first name “Baptist” (the baptized person), temporarily left the church at the age of 18. “Whenever I was outside, I felt drawn to the church. And whenever I was a member, I felt called upon to criticize it. Because, as we know, as well as many great things, very sad things also happen there.”

Kerner has been helping to make good things happen since 2013 by hosting the annual fundraising gala “A Heart for Children”, a regular charity event in December. The year 2024 will also end with the busy TV star: On New Year’s Eve, he and Andrea Kiewel will be presenting the big ZDF television party “Welcome 2025” at the Brandenburg Gate.