ARD explains technical problems with documentary about football legend

Exclusive

Franz Beckenbauer died on January 7th and the world mourns the football legend. His death was confirmed on January 8th. The ARD had included the documentary “Beckenbauer” in the program on that very day anyway – a strange coincidence.

The TV said: “This film was completed before Franz Beckenbauer’s death.” However, a fade-in at the very end causes irritation. The BR editorial team is now providing clarity to Watson.

Doubtful display on ARD

Franz Beckenbauer had been ill for months and had withdrawn from the public. A current interview with him cannot be seen in the ARD documentary. Therefore the note is given at the end: “Franz Beckenbauer was not available for an interview.”

However, after the death of the “Emperor”, this note seems very strange. “Beckenbauer” is currently available in the ARD media library, but the display has not been removed or adjusted. In fact, there is a good reason for this.

This insert can be seen at the end of the Beckenbauer documentary.image: Ard

Broadcaster takes a stand on Beckenbauer documentary

When asked by Watson, the BR editorial team made it clear that the problem was definitely recognized. “We also discussed the issue within the editorial team immediately after the news of Franz Beckenbauer’s death on Monday evening,” the broadcaster said in a statement. And further:

However, the technology causes problems here: “Due to a technical hurdle with significant consequences for general accessibility, we ultimately had to refrain from doing so for the time being.”

The BR also explains the background to watson. Accordingly, when video content is exchanged in the ARD media library, the link destination always changes for technical reasons.

Those responsible point out: “All existing online references to the production since its media library launch on January 2nd (for example in search engines, on partner platforms, in external reviews or even in private forwardings) would produce widespread error messages and thus frustration.“

This is exactly what the BR doesn’t want to expect of the audience. Accordingly, it concludes: “Especially in the current situation in which numerous users say goodbye to Franz Beckenbauer emotionally and also access the film via a variety of external channels, we do not want to accept that.”

Beckenbauer documentary: This change exists

It should also be noted that the end credits of “Beckenbauer” were immediately adapted for television.

During the repeat on BR television on Tuesday evening, January 9th, a black and white portrait of Beckenbauer with his date of birth and date of death was shown in place of the text panel in the credits.

“Beckenbauer – Legend of German Football” is in the ARD media library available.