Who doesn't know this face? He is a legend and veteran, influential for radio, revolutionary for television: Frank Elstner has probably been a guest in every living room, and always on the most prominent broadcast slots. Even in times of streaming services and an oversupply of entertainment, its legendary formats stand out like beacons in people's collective memory. The television star will be honored with the European Culture Prize for his life's work.

And rightly so, because the Linz native's ability to identify with many generations is almost unsurpassed. While Elstner had already achieved fame as a radio presenter in Luxembourg, which he once described as the best time of his professional life, he then became a guarantee of mega ratings on television that are unthinkable today. Major show inventions such as “Wetten, dass…?” or the Sunday hit parade are still part of his unforgettable oeuvre, which was crowned with an incredible number of awards – including the Cross of Merit 1st Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.