Helmut Matt: Radio Bulgaria is a bridge between Bulgaria, literature and the airwaves

My friendship with Radio Bulgaria started back in 1975, says the German writer, radio journalist and poet

published on 11/5/25 10:35 AM

Helmut Matt

Photo: Helmut Matt

Today, in the Radio Bulgaria studio, we welcomed Helmut Matt – a writer, radio journalist and poet, who has maintained a special connection with Bulgaria for many years. In his book "Bulgarian Impressions" and in his numerous radio broadcasts, he reflects his admiration for the culture, nature and people of Bulgaria. In addition, Mr. Matt regularly publishes poems in which language and feelings take a central place.

You can hear the interview with Helmut Matt in German at the link below:

Helmut Matt: Eine Brücke zwischen Bulgarien, Literatur und Radio

Helmut Matt recalls the beginning of his connection with Bulgaria:

"My friendship with Radio Bulgaria dates back to 1975. Then I bought my first shortwave radio receiver and was fascinated that I could listen to "Radio Sofia" back then. I wrote my first letters to the station, but for a long time I did not receive a reply. After more than a year and a half, a letter finally arrived that had traveled around the world, along with a beautiful QSL card – it was an unforgettable experience!"

He was particularly impressed by Bulgarian folk music, literature programs about authors such as Bulgarian classic writer Ivan Vazov, and stories about the struggle for national liberation. "Even then, I felt the hope of one day seeing Bulgaria with my own eyes," says Helmut Matt.

About his book dedicated to Bulgaria, he shared:

"Initially, it was a personal reflection on my experiences. I wanted to preserve my impressions - the beauty of the Vitosha, Rila, and Pirin mountains, the Thracian plain with its sunflower fields, and the historic cities of Plovdiv and Sofia. Everything exceeded my expectations, including the kindness of the people. At the suggestion of Rositsa Radulova from the German editorial office of Radio Bulgaria, a whole book was born from a short travelogue, which is unfortunately already out of print."

Helmut Matt's book entitled Bulgarian Impressions

Regarding the role of radio today, Helmut Matt says:

"Radio has changed a lot. Many young people now listen to radio online, and traditional broadcast radio remains in the background. Nevertheless, it remains an irreplaceable medium, especially for international radio broadcasting. Radio Bulgaria presents a country that is almost unknown to many and shows its cultural and natural wealth. It is pleasant to follow the programs, but in my opinion, there should be an even stronger emphasis on folk music and traditional voices, and not so much on pop music, which sounds the same everywhere."

Helmut Matt describes his personal relationship with radio as a long-standing passion:

"Radio has accompanied me for more than 50 years. It allows listeners to create their own images and ideas, unlike ready-made television images. For me, radio is an important part of life - without it I would feel empty."

The team of the German section of Radio Bulgaria together with Helmut Matt's wife Linda

In addition to journalism, Helmut Matt is also involved in literature. About his poems, he says:

"Writing is an art in which language, sound and feelings intertwine. Language is my preferred means of expressing experiences, thoughts and emotions. Especially in radio, language is crucial to conveying the message vividly and effectively."

The nature of Bulgaria also leaves a lasting impression on him:

"I live between Breisgau and the Black Forest, but Bulgaria is a completely different world. Its landscape is wilder, more romantic and primal. I was particularly impressed by the Thracian Plain and the Rila, Pirin and Vitosha mountains."

When asked how he would describe Bulgaria in three words, Helmut Matt replies:

"Roses, Cyrillic and Martenitsa – these are the impressions that have been most deeply imprinted in my mind."

Radio Bulgaria expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Helmut Matt for the conversation and for the shared impressions of his work, his experiences in Bulgaria and his views on literature and radio. His books and poems reveal a multi-layered view beyond the German-Bulgarian horizon.

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