Suche
Mein Konto
Mourning for Matthias Holtmann: radio legend dies at the age of 75
The SWR mourns Matthias Holtmann, a radio legend who died on November 9, 2025 and influenced generations.
Mourning for Matthias Holtmann: radio legend dies at the age of 75
On November 9, 2025, the German radio world suffered a great loss: Matthias Holtmann, a true radio legend and long-time presenter at SWR, died in Esslingen at the age of 75. SWR director Kai Gniffke praised Holtmann as a “real radio legend” and expressed his condolences, while fans and colleagues mourn the unique voice that delighted and shaped listeners for decades. Holtmann was born in Kamen and grew up in Recklinghausen.
His career began in 1979 when, after studying music, he joined what was then called Süddeutscher Rundfunk as a music editor. Over the years, Holtmann held numerous important positions, including music director at SDR3 and later SWR3. He became known not only for his radio moderation, but also for his appearances in various TV formats such as “So what”, “Extraspät” and “SWR3 – Ring frei”. He also held the microphone as stadium announcer at VfB Stuttgart in the 1999/2000 season.
A life with challenges
The Parkinson's diagnosis in 2009 represented a serious turning point in Holtmann's life. But despite these challenges, he remained loyal to radio and moved to SWR1 Baden-Württemberg in 2005. There he presented programs such as “Good Evening, Baden-Württemberg” and “Headphones”. In 2015, at the age of 65, he finally ended his active career, but left a lasting impression on the media landscape. Colleagues and fans praise his program innovations and his direct contact with the audience - qualities that made him a unique presenter.
Even though SWR and the radio world mourn Holtmann, he was remembered as a radio icon. Intendant Gniffke assured that his memory will not be forgotten.
Another Matthias legend
After practicing prayer together, the lot fell on Matthias, who was accepted as a gift from God, which is the meaning of his name. Although nothing else is written about his life in the New Testament, various traditions report that he preached in Ethiopia and was martyred there, or that he ministered in Jerusalem and died there. Relics of Matthias are kept in Italy and Germany, in the Abbey of Santa Giustina and the Abbey of St. Matthias in Trier.
So there are many parallels of appreciation and lasting legacy in the story of radio and the apostles. While the mourning for Matthias Holtmann remains in people's hearts, the memory of the apostle Matthias also remains alive, whose name and story are celebrated in the churches to this day.