Ján Zákopčaník, the beloved Czech television meteorologist known for signing off with the phrase Slunce v duši
(Sun in the Soul), passed away unexpectedly in June 2022 at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy of public warmth, a legal battle over his trademarked greeting, and an unusual family inheritance.
From Slovakia to Airport Weather Stations
Born in the small Slovak village of Oblazov, Zákopčaník initially planned to become a pilot or an archaeologist before turning his focus to meteorology. He spent eight years working at an airport before landing a role on the newly established television network OK3. His unorthodox approach to presenting the forecast quickly caught the attention of Czech Television executives, who brought him on as a host for the public broadcaster.
Building a Brand and Fighting for the Slogan
Zákopčaník injected personal warmth and light entertainment into a genre traditionally defined by dry numbers, winning the Rosnička roku poll five times. In the early days of his broadcasts, he began signing off with Dobrý večer a slunce v duši,
a phrase that eventually became a household catchphrase across the country. The slogan’s origins traced back to a severe bout of pneumonia, which he explained to interviewers: Kdysi jsem ochořel těžkým zápalem plic, uvědomil si, že nemoc vyvolala smutek a trápení, kterým jsem právě procházel. Bylo to to spíš o tom, že to slunce v duši musím stále naplňovat, udržovat při životě. Není to něco, co běží samo od sebe.
The widespread popularity of the phrase created legal friction when the Benedikt Club company attempted to use the greeting to promote herbal liqueurs without his consent. Zákopčaník challenged the move at the Úřad pro ochranu průmyslového vlastnictví, which ruled in his favor and established the greeting as his exclusive trademark.
Television Disputes and Return to Aviation
Zákopčaník’s public profile also drew parodies, including a contentious sketch by the satirical television show Česká soda. In response, Zákopčaník broadcast an image of three pigs during a live weather segment, identifying them as the show’s creators, Čtvrtníček, Šteindler, and Vávra. Czech Television management issued a fine and a temporary suspension over the broadcast, straining his relationship with network director Jiří Janeček.
Those tensions culminated in his departure from the public broadcaster in 2005. Michal Petrov, then editor-in-chief of news for Czech Television, told the Czech News Agency (ČTK) that the demands of the news channel did not align with Zákopčaník's vision. Pro ně je velký rozdíl, jestli bude výška mraků v pěti stech nebo ve stovce metrů. Je to velká odpovědnost, he noted of his return to aviation work.
Unexpected Passing and Trademark Inheritance
News of his sudden death in June 2022 at age 63 prompted widespread public mourning across the Czech Republic, though the exact cause of death was not publicly disclosed. Complying with reported family wishes, no public funeral or memorial service was held, and relatives gathered in private. Following his death, ownership of the Slunce v duši
trademark passed to his wife, daughter, and two sons. Media commentators observed that the inheritance of words rather than physical property served as a fitting metaphor for his broadcasting career.
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