2024-05-09 00:22:40
The journalist would like more help against online harassment. Esther Sedlaczek is regularly a victim of hate and obscene messages.
She has been in front of the camera as a sports presenter for almost 15 years and has made a name for herself primarily in football reporting. But Esther Sedlaczek regularly feels that women working in this industry are still under particular scrutiny from the public. Especially on social media, objective criticism is often not enough.
The “Sportschau” presenter therefore wants more support for women against threats and harassment online. “I think it’s a shame that some people can’t find any other way out than taking out their frustration on strangers,” said the 38-year-old in an interview with the “Web.de” portal. “I would like there to be more protection.”
“Worst insults and threats”
For example, a few years ago, after a slip of the tongue – she said farmers instead of Bavaria in a broadcast, but immediately corrected herself – she received “the worst insults and threats”. “It also happens that photos are sent and sexual harassment occurs,” said the moderator.
Sedlaczek generally sees positive developments in the industry. In their opinion, prejudices have diminished. “I think something has happened,” she said – and in this context also praised “a number of women who do a good job in front of the camera.” In view of the hurdles that still exist, women in particular have not played a major role as commentators for long. “There is always a certain path that has to be taken, and of course it is revealing when there is anti-violence against a woman as a commentator. This shows that it is still a challenge for many women in football.”
In 2021, after a few years as a reporter and presenter at Sky, Sedlaczek moved to ARD, where in addition to the “Sportschau” she also moderates shows such as “Quizduell” and “Ask the Mouse”. The mother of two is involved in the organization “Superheldin” for greater visibility for women in the professional world.