jack van Gelder Reveals Reason for Avoiding ‘Inside‘ Broadcast
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Amsterdam – Veteran sports presenter jack van Gelder has publicly explained his consistent absence from the popular Dutch sports talk show “Inside.” Van Gelder stated this week during an appearance on “Oranjezomer” that his decision stems from a lack of professional connection with Wilfred Genee, one of the program’s hosts. This long-standing issue, he revealed, originates from past criticisms and competitive dynamics within the Dutch sports media landscape.
A History of Competition
The roots of the tension trace back to van Gelder’s time as a presenter on “Studio Voetbal,” where Genee frequently offered critiques on “Voetbal International” – the program that later became “Inside.” The conflict escalated during a notable interview on the RTV Noord-Holland radio program, “Sports Club 1890,” where van Gelder openly discussed the viewership numbers and competitive positioning of his show.
“There is no slowing down,” van Gelder said at the time. “We are very satisfied with our tenth season and still exceed one million viewers. I always appreciate that, because ‘Voetbal International’ has the most fans, but we have the most viewers – an older audience, but last Sunday 1.2 million, compared to their 750 thousand.”
Did You Know? Jack van Gelder‘s career spans decades, making him a recognizable figure in Dutch sports broadcasting.
Admiration Mixed with Discomfort
Despite the competition, van Gelder acknowledged a degree of admiration for “Inside’s” format. He appreciated its entertainment value and the energy it brought to sports discussion. However, he ultimately found its style incompatible with his own journalistic approach.
“If someone asked me whether I’d rather present ‘Voetbal International’ or ‘Studio Voetbal,’ I’d hesitate,” van Gelder explained. “I enjoy working with music and a live audience, but not in the way they do it. I sometimes find it to superficial, tho I do like the atmosphere.”
“School Cabaret” and Underlying Issues
van Gelder expressed frustration with what he perceived as unnecessary jabs from the “Inside” team, characterizing it as “school cabaret.” He emphasized his preference for focusing on the content itself, rather than engaging in personal attacks or competitive needling. He believes his program can thrive without referencing Genee or his colleagues.
“We never talk about ‘Voetbal International’ on our broadcast,and yet they occasionally need to use us to score points by making a snide remark about something that happened on our show,” he stated.
“A Crawl” - van Gelder’s Direct Assessment
When pressed on the core of his issue with Genee, van Gelder offered a blunt assessment. “I don’t have a problem with Johan Derksen or Gijp, but I think Genee is an underhanded guy. I think he’s just a crawl.Yes, yes. I don’t need to give an example. You just have to look at his face and you know enough.”
He further suggested that Genee’s criticisms stemmed from jealousy,particularly regarding van Gelder’s on-location reporting and direct access to players. “I never understand why he should attack me like that. I don’t think I deserve it. If his animosity arises from jealousy… I can imagine feeling that way when I’m on the fields talking to players before and after the game, while he’s sitting in the Kurhaus all summer.”
Pro Tip: Understanding the historical context of media rivalries can provide valuable insight into current industry dynamics.
A Failed Reconciliation
Years later, Genee attempted to mend fences with van Gelder during a chance encounter at a restaurant. According to reports, Genee approached van Gelder with a kind greeting, but was rebuffed. “He walked up to me and said, ‘Hey Jack, my favorite TV presenter! How are you?’ I replied, ‘That’s not mutual!’ and turned my back to him.”
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Reported restaurant encounter between Jack van Gelder and Wilfred Genee. |
| 2025 | Jack van Gelder publicly explains his absence from “Inside.” |
what impact will this ongoing tension have on the future of Dutch sports broadcasting? And will Genee or van Gelder attempt to bridge the gap between them?
The dynamic between jack van Gelder and Wilfred Genee highlights a broader trend in sports media: the often-contentious relationship between customary journalism and entertainment-focused programming. This tension is fueled by differing philosophies on reporting, audience engagement, and the role of personality in sports coverage. As media landscapes continue to evolve, these conflicts are likely to persist, shaping the way sports are consumed and discussed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the primary reason Jack van Gelder avoids “Inside”? Van Gelder cites a lack of rapport with Wilfred Genee and a history of professional friction.
- Where did the conflict between van Gelder and Genee originate? The tension stems from past criticisms during van Gelder’s time on “Studio Voetbal” and Genee’s commentary on “Voetbal International.”
- Does Jack van gelder admire “Inside” at all? Yes, he acknowledges the program’s entertainment value but finds its style incompatible with his own.
- what did van Gelder say about Wilfred Genee’s character? He described Genee as “underhanded” and ”a crawl.”
- Has there been any attempt at reconciliation? Genee reportedly attempted to approach van Gelder in a restaurant, but was rebuffed.
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