Sometimes uphill, sometimes downhill: Reporter Oertel turns 95
Created: 2022-12-09Updated: 2022-12-09 18:42
The former sports reporter for GDR television Oertel celebrates his 95th birthday on December 11th, 2022 © Jens Büttner/dpa/Archive image
Reporter legend Heinz Florian Oertel celebrates his 95th birthday on Sunday.
The native of Cottbus, who rose to become one of the most popular sports commentators in the country at GDR radio between 1949 and 1991, will celebrate his anniversary with a small celebration.
"Well, if everything were as good as my voice, then I would be really good," said the prospective jubilee of the German Press Agency on Friday, "but the little aches and pains are normal at my age."
Berlin – Overall, however, Oertel, who reported on 17 Olympic Games and eight World Cups, is fine with his health.
"In these age areas it's sometimes uphill and sometimes downhill," said the journalist, who had become a legend at the microphone primarily because of his detailed knowledge and his emotional reporting.
In addition to the small and large sporting events, Oertel was also active as a moderator of television programs such as "Ein Kessel Buntes" and also hosted radio and television programs such as "He, he, he - Sport an der Spree", "Schlager eines Großes Stadt" and "Portrait by Telephone".
Oertel was voted TV favorite of the year for East German television 17 times.
After receiving his doctorate in Leipzig in 1981, Oertel also lectured at various universities, and after reunification also in the Federal Republic.
In December 1989, Oertel commented on the Bundesliga match between VfB Stuttgart and 1. FC Köln for Südwestfunk.
As an author, the publisher of various Olympic books also dealt critically with social issues - even in the days of the GDR.
However, fellow human beings were also taken along and included in his reports, as well as in Oertel's big wish for his birthday: "For me and mine, but mine in the first place: lots of good health." dpa