Tension between Journalistic and Entertainment Values in Live Soccer TV Commentary: The Commentator’s Perspective

This article examines the tension between journalistic and entertainment values in live soccer TV commentary from perspective of German commentators. We situate within commentators’ wider understanding their roles as sports journalists commentators, looking at a specific type journalist who has different responsibilities general reporter. asked how commentators assess role work, what constraints they face, such perceived expectations employer affect this assessment. interviewed 28 one radio commentator, expert working for relevant channels streaming platforms, ZDF, Sky, DAZN. While all interviewees see themselves companions telling story match, most sample value over values, surprising finding hyper-commercialized world television. Well-founded expertise knowledge are considered important. However, assessment depends on factors broadcaster’s guidelines nature match. In summary, commentator is either an ‘objective mediator’ or ‘emotional entertainer’, but balancing act.