Early Radio Broadcast Interrupted by Cable Cut, Highlights Rapid Growth of German Radio
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A technical mishap during an early radio broadcast in 1925 – a severed cable – forced a commentator to improvise, offering a glimpse into the nascent days of radio and its surprisingly swift adoption across Germany. The incident underscores the challenges and ingenuity of early broadcasting technology.
On November 1st, 2025, Deutschlandfunk reported on a historical broadcast event from decades prior. The program, originating from a soccer match, was being transmitted by Westdeutsche Funkstunde AG, a broadcasting institution based in Münster and a precursor to the modern-day WDR (Westdeutscher Rundfunk).
Pioneering transmission & Unexpected Disruption
To facilitate the broadcast, engineers laid a kilometer-long cable connecting the stadium to the broadcasting center. This demonstrated the commitment to delivering live coverage, even with the limited technology available at the time. However, the enterprising setup encountered an unforeseen problem. According to a WDR contribution commemorating the anniversary of the event, the cable was “accidentally cut.”
This disruption forced reporter Bernhard Ernst to switch to a telephone commentary to continue covering the game. Despite the technical difficulties, the broadcast continued, albeit in an unconventional manner. Sadly for the home team, Preußen Münster suffered a decisive defeat, losing the match with a score of 0-5.
From Scarcity to Ubiquity: The Rise of Radio in Germany
The incident occured during a period of explosive growth for radio technology in germany. In 1925, it was estimated that only approximately 6,000 radio receivers existed throughout the country. This illustrates the initial exclusivity and high cost of the technology.
However, the following year witnessed a dramatic surge in popularity. By the end of 1926, the number of radio receivers had skyrocketed to over 700,000. This rapid adoption rate demonstrates the public’s immediate captivation with this new form of entertainment and data dissemination.
The swift expansion of radio ownership highlights the transformative power of the medium and its ability to quickly integrate into the fabric of German society. The story of the cut cable, and the resourceful response of Bernhard Ernst, serves as a compelling reminder of the pioneering spirit that defined the early days of broadcasting.
Why did it happen? A kilometer-long cable connecting a soccer stadium to the Westdeutsche Funkstunde AG broadcasting center was accidentally cut during a live broadcast on November 1st,1925.
Who was involved? The key individuals were reporter Bernhard Ernst, who improvised a telephone commentary, and the home team, Preußen Münster, who lost the game 0-5. Westdeutsche Funkstunde AG, a precursor to WDR, was the broadcasting organization.
What was the event? It was an early radio broadcast of a soccer match that was disrupted by a severed cable.
How did it end? Despite the cable cut, the broadcast continued via telephone commentary. Preußen Münster lost the match decisively with a final score of 0-5. The incident is now remembered as a testament to the resourcefulness of early broadcasters and the rapid growth of radio in Germany.
