New broadcasting recommendations for women’s athletics are asking TV crews to change how female athletes are filmed during competitions. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and European Athletics have released a 23-page guide called Raising the Bar, encouraging broadcasters to avoid camera angles and slow-motion replays that can sexualize athletes. Instead, the document asks production teams to focus on performance, technique and the sport itself. Dexerto first highlighted the new guidelines, while the full document was published by the European Broadcasting Union.
European Broadcasting Union explains which camera angles broadcasters should avoid
The new guidance says certain filming styles can take attention away from an athlete’s performance. It advises broadcasters not to use lingering close-up shots of body parts such as the chest or buttocks.It also recommends avoiding low-angle shots from behind or underneath athletes, especially during events like the pole vault, high jump, long jump and sprint races.Another major recommendation involves slow-motion replays. The guide says replay footage should only be used when it helps explain an athlete’s technique or tells an important part of the story.Slow-motion clips that serve no sporting purpose can be taken out of context and shared online in inappropriate ways.Instead, broadcasters are encouraged to use wider camera angles that show the full movement of an athlete, including the run-up, take-off and landing.The document also includes illustrated examples showing recommended and discouraged camera positions to help production teams understand the difference.EBU Executive Director of Sports Glen Killane explained why the changes were needed. He said, “The sexualization of women athletes through selective camera angles and editing choices continues to be a significant concern.”According to the EBU, the goal is to make sure coverage celebrates sporting achievement rather than drawing attention to an athlete’s body.
Holly Bradshaw’s experiences helped shape the new women’s athletics guidelines
The recommendations were also influenced by feedback from athletes. British Olympic pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw said camera placement has sometimes affected her concentration during competitions.She explained that athletes can become aware of cameras positioned in uncomfortable places instead of focusing fully on their event.Bradshaw also spoke about the problems that can follow after competitions. She said slow-motion clips have been edited and shared on social media in ways that led to unwanted attention and abusive comments.Her experiences became one of the examples supporting the need for updated broadcasting guidance.The EBU says these recommendations are not mandatory rules, but they are designed to influence how major athletics events are covered across Europe in the future.The focus is simple: show the skill, effort and achievement of female athletes instead of using camera angles that distract from the competition. The full Raising the Bar document is available on the European Broadcasting Union’s website for broadcasters and production teams.
