At the EM, Jessy Wellmer forms a duo on the microphone with ex-national player Bastian Schweinsteiger. In the interview, the ARD presenter reveals what she thinks of her TV colleague.
Jessy Wellmer and Bastian Schweinsteiger form a television couple at the EM for ARD. In an interview with the German Press Agency, the TV journalist speaks about the role of the expert and also agrees “juicy television reviews”.
The ARD and also the ZDF rely a lot on experts. What do you actually need them for?
It is really a great pleasure to be with Bastian Schweinsteiger because he is incredibly nice. That sounds completely exaggerated because the aunt on television says that – but anyone who meets him would find that he is just a very pleasant person. You notice that especially now on our tour through half of Europe. Even at normal times, a trip from venue to venue would not be entirely without it. Now, with all the special rules, all the tests, all the requirements for protection against Covid, it shows who is in a good mood even under stress. Working with Bastian is really straightforward and pleasant. And I think you can see that on the screen too.
Now you haven’t really answered the question, it was more of a small declaration of love. So: what do you need it for?
The experts – this also applies to Almuth Schult, Prince Boateng and Stefan Kuntz – are there because they are experts. Because they know very well about their sport. And for the viewer it is nice to listen to people having an animated conversation about the tournament and the games. One can look at events much better from all sides in a dialogue, because each individual has his own point of view. And this is especially true for Bastian Schweinsteiger – with all his experience as a 121-time national player. Bastian really knows God and the world. And he is well versed in game analysis. He has an eye for the game and shows us the tactical tricks.
What do you think of the criticism of the expert Schweinsteiger?
You won’t be surprised that I don’t share this. The nice thing about our offer is that we really have a very wide range. If you don’t agree with Stefan Kuntz, you might think Almuth Schult is great. It is good and stimulating to be able to deal with different positions. I think so anyway. By the way: For some newspaper or online colleagues it is of course very tempting to write juicy television reviews at major sporting events. I can understand that. Because we TV people have already reported live about the sport …
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
