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Hape Kerkeling in his star role as Horst Schlämmer: does he have a hand in it?
Photo:
Jens Kalaene / picture alliance / dpa
Have you recently got the feeling that the awarding of prizes for life's works to artists and entertainers is in stark contrast to demographic developments?
People are generally getting older, but those honored are getting younger and younger.
This trend can be seen particularly clearly with the so-called honorary award of the German TV award.
Senta Berger was already 75 at the 2017 award. Jürgen von der Lippe was 70 at the 2019 award accept the senior trophy at 56.
Each trophy is, in itself, highly deserved
With his appearance as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands at Bellevue Palace for the ARD program "Total normal" he achieved a furious prank in 1991, for which he played with the means of the mass media and tabloid journalism ("Just wave the rush quickly.") .
With the sweaty self-service monster Horst Schlämmer ("If I become Chancellor, the country remains a demography"), he embodied the most beautiful politician hackers ever seen on German television for RTL from 2005 onwards.
In fact, pretty much any trophy given to Hape Kerkeling would be well deserved.
Only this is not it.
To be honored for life's work at an age when normal mortals still have to work ten years before retirement seems bizarre.
Especially since Kerkeling now wants to appear more on television again.
German television honors itself at the German Television Prize. The jury is made up of prominent figures from the industry who honor their colleagues.
You want to be polite;
sometimes you may be a little too polite.
A certain proportion also plays a role, because the public and private television providers should, if possible, receive as many awards as possible.
The associated TV gala is then hosted by the various broadcasters alternately.
This year RTL will broadcast the celebrations.
Maybe that fits very well.
Because RTL no longer wants to be the dirty corner of German television, has sorted out Bohlen and Pocher for the time being and brought Hofer and Zervakis from ARD.
You want to be more serious, especially in the entertainment sector.
And now Hape Kerkeling, the father of the upscale prank and the skilful media satire on German television, should also help.
The Cologne broadcaster is currently working on new projects with Kerkeling, who has made himself very rare as a public figure in recent years.
Is it a coincidence or did RTL help to pay tribute to the man in his prime now, shortly before the announcement of these projects, at the self-organized gala?
Lifetime work at the age of 56, handed over to the new employer, Horst Schlämmer could have his fingers sweaty in the game.
In any case, the whole undertaking seems clumsy to ominous: To get a price for your past on the show of a station that you are supposed to lead into the future, that cannot be a good omen for upcoming projects.
