Showbiz program RTL Boulevard uses a series of fixed expressions when reporting news about the stars. Very popular is “none other than”. An item starts with those words when a Famous Dutchman or Famous Foreigner has done something or was present somewhere. For example: “None other than our own Chantal Janzen…”, when actress/singer Chantal Janzen announces a new program or has news about her blended family.
Stars “taking on a new adventure” is another popular cliché of the program that has been shown daily on RTL4 since 2001 from 6:30 p.m. Slogan: “Stay informed with RTL Boulevard!”
The news show knows how things are going in the world and showbiz. If a film, series or performance attracts an audience, there will be a sequel. “After the success of…,… was of course inevitable,” they say. The report of a premiere often begins with the formula “No expense has been spared to…” Alternative: “Once again everything is being pulled out of the closet.” When introducing an item, the program likes to play with the expectations of the viewers: “Anyone who thinks that… is wrong.”
When a star is back in the news after a period of absence, Boulevard likes to introduce the topic with the words: “After a well-deserved holiday.” This shows appreciation for what this person did or achieved before that holiday: divorced, married, made a record, had a child, played a role in a film/musical/series. It also puts the new development in a positive light. Pregnancies, gender reveals and births always make Boulevard very happy (despite the housing crisis): “Super fun baby news at…”
When we run out of current topics, the editors have a handy angle ready: “It has been exactly 25 years since…” And if there is really no reason to pay attention to a celebrity, the item starts with the words: “High time to catch up on…”
Even in the showbiz world, less pleasant things sometimes happen. “Sad news about…” are Boulevard’s introductory words. Suffering takes many forms: illnesses, deaths, accidents, broken contracts, recurring addictions. A lot of misery happens to the stars and their immediate family. “That is a bad story, very sad.” When something unexpectedly takes a nasty turn, Boulevard says: “The news took on a sad edge.”
Boulevard often returns to sad news in the next broadcast. This is then introduced with: “Showbiz expert… tell us about this tragic case.” In particular, Britney Spears, Taylor Swift and the Hazes, Meiland and Roelvink families will remain newsworthy for at least a week. “This case will certainly continue to grow.”
Before starting an item about “sad news”, the presenters usually act as if a page is being turned: smile changes seamlessly into serious look. After such an item, there is sometimes a hint of embarrassment, if the new topic is very light-hearted or even funny. But the program must continue. “I don’t think the last word has been said yet on this.” “We are going to follow it.” “To be continued, thanks for now.”
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