The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and European Athletics have introduced new broadcasting guidelines aimed at reducing the “sexualisation” of female athletes, urging television directors to avoid camera angles and slow-motion replays that focus on athletes’ bodies rather than their sporting performances.
The 23-page guidance, titled “Raising the Bar: Guidelines for Respectful Media Coverage in Women’s Athletics,” was developed in consultation with former athletes and is intended for broadcasters covering European athletics competitions.
It advises producers and camera operators to prioritise athletic performance while avoiding shots that could be perceived as objectifying female competitors.
Among the recommendations are calls to avoid prolonged close-ups of specific body parts, low-angle shots filmed from behind or below athletes, and slow-motion replays that do not contribute to viewers’ understanding of the sporting action.
Broadcasters are instead encouraged to use wider angles, overhead cameras and technical graphics to explain athletic technique.
“The development of filming guidelines is a crucial step toward eliminating harmful portrayals of women in our sport while maintaining the highest level of storytelling and technical excellence,” European Athletics president Dobromir Karamarinov said.
The initiative follows complaints from several current and former athletes that certain television shots had led to unwanted online attention, with clips circulating on social media that focused on revealing moments rather than sporting achievements.
British Olympic pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw, one of the athletes consulted during the project, said she had received abusive messages and seen inappropriate videos of herself shared online after competitions.
Former world champion long jumper Ivana Španović argued that broadcasters could still produce visually compelling coverage without relying on controversial camera angles.
“Our sport offers numerous opportunities to showcase technique and the beauty of movement,” she said, pointing to slow-motion footage highlighting take-offs and running technique as examples of how broadcasts could educate viewers while respecting athletes.
The EBU stressed that the document is not intended as a list of prohibitions, but as practical guidance demonstrating that respectful camera work can also improve sports storytelling.
The recommendations have nevertheless sparked debate on social media, where critics accused broadcasters of introducing unnecessary restrictions and “overthinking” television coverage.
Libtards want to ban moments of sportsmanship like this https://t.co/rj225Zgcos pic.twitter.com/DwkIIMQoHx
— Flappr (@flapprdotnet) July 14, 2026
