Thanks to a „mediale Fankurve“, the new set design for ZDF Sport brings the authentic stadium experience into the studio. With an up-to-the-minute look … and state-of-the-art technology. No green screens, no virtual studio: As a deliberately created hybrid of digital media and space for physical experience, the new set design delivers a multifunctional digital-analogue toolkit for quality journalism – and a striking, unique look to the three ZDF sport programmes that extends into the on-air design.

The core element of the studio set redesign is a swarm of custom-developed LED modules. Its shape and arrangement are inspired by a familiar stadium motif: waving scarves in the stands. Thanks to the “mediale Fankurve”, which provides space for an additional grand stand, both the studio audience and viewers at home feel as if they were right there in the stadium. Flexible media feeds to the LED swarm and hi-resolution screens enable a broad dramaturgy of editorial content and images.

The new studio has a modular design. The whole set can be dismantled and set up again each week; the stage extends in minutes to master the individual challenges each show presents.

The redesign confidently uses the minimalistic key design element, and extends into the on-air design. Set modules such as the moderator’s podium reflect the design of the LED swarm, helping to maintain a consistent look and feel.

Thanks to the „mediale Fankurve“, it was possible to update a classic sports show while retaining its unique appeal. The digital-analog studio set maximizes functionality and live atmosphere. As a mixture that convinces both audiences and TV crews, it serves as a matrix for future TV format redesigns. Given the strict continuities of television, this is certainly not self-evident.