European Athletics moves to curb on-screen sexualisation of female athletes

European Athletics and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) have launched new guidelines to curb the sexualization of female athletes during broadcasts. The "Raising the Bar" initiative aims to ensure coverage focuses on athletic performance and prevents footage from being misused online.

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The development of filming guidelines is a crucial step toward eliminating harmful portrayals of women in our sports while maintaining the highest level of storytelling and technical excellence.

These guidelines stem from feedback provided by athletes who reported discomfort and distractions caused by specific camera angles and replay choices. Broadcasters are now instructed to avoid prolonged close-ups of particular body parts, low-angle shots, and slow-motion replays that do not enhance the understanding of the athletic action.

The organizations encourage the use of wider camera angles to capture the full scope of an athlete's movement. Former world long jump champion Ivana Spanovic suggested using innovative shots, such as aerial views and educational graphics, to better explain athletic techniques. The guidelines include visual examples of appropriate and inappropriate filming techniques for various events.

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Our sport offers numerous opportunities to showcase technique and the beauty of movement, like displaying slow-motion shots that highlight technical precision, such as the take-off moment or the perfect stride.

For instance, the guidelines highlight that low camera angles in high jump can create compromising images, and slow-motion replays of athletes clearing the bar may offer little technical insight while potentially producing inappropriate visuals. The initiative also provides guidance on respectfully capturing athletes' emotions and interactions.

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The sexualisation of women athletes through selective camera angles and editing choices continues to be a significant concern across many sports broadcasts.