Last but not least: Happy without saying a word

Unlike their colleagues in tennis, Formula 1, and alpine skiing, soccer commentators in Switzerland enjoy little support among large segments of the sports-loving population. Since the legendary duo of Thurnheer and Netzer, no one who has sat behind an SRF microphone at the stadium has captured the hearts of the fans. Among other things, the SRF commentary team is accused of lacking expertise, being unfocused, displaying artificial and exaggerated emotions, focusing one-sidedly on big names, having a dated style, and showing a lack of reaction. One also frequently hears the criticism that SRF commentators merely describe what viewers can see for themselves—instead of providing them with useful (!) background information or tactical analysis.

Whenever this topic comes up on the major online portals, the comment sections are bursting at the seams. SRF soccer seems to be just as much of a hot-button issue for people as refugee influxes, welfare fraud, criminal foreigners, or rowdy former beauty queens. People envy not only the Germans, the English, and the Austrians, but also the people of Ticino and French-speaking Switzerland. Soccer broadcasts are good everywhere—just not here. Those who can, find a way around it. Time and again, people express a desire for a commentary-free audio channel—many would rather enjoy the stadium atmosphere «in peace.» Or they switch over to the acclaimed radio broadcasts on SRF 3 (which, given the different transmission speeds (though it's not as easy as it used to be).

Screenshots from Blick.ch and 20min.ch

Basel-based inventor and sound engineer Martin Born may now have found a solution with his invention. With the «Nocommentator,» he has developed a small box that filters the commentator’s voice out of the audio signal. Pure stadium sounds at the push of a button. The device is connected between the TV and the audio system and removes all commentator voices. «I’ve tried it with soccer, hockey, and tennis, and the sports commentator either disappears completely or is almost inaudible,» says Martin Born.

The Nocommentator goes into production in Switzerland when Wemakeit.com if the production goal of 45,000 francs is reached within 45 days. The first 200 buyers will receive it for 60 francs. If the reader comments are anything to go by, there seems to be a great deal of demand for the device. Whether the complainers are actually willing to follow through with action, however, remains to be seen. And anyway: it’s not all bad. Gürkan Sermeter as a co-commentator, for example, is music to the ears. A light on the horizon. Why not on an international level as well? Perhaps the 'no-commenter” will become obsolete one day anyway…

Thomas Häusermann

Teaser image (before editing): SRF