European Broadcasting Union bans sexualized camera angles in women's athletics broadcasts

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), together with European Athletics, released a 23‑page guide titled “Raising The Bar: Guidelines for Respectful Media Coverage in Women’s Athletics.” The document sets out specific rules for TV producers to avoid objectifying female athletes, urging broadcasters to refrain from low‑angle shots, close‑up frames that focus on bodies rather than performance, and unnecessary slow‑motion replays. It calls for coverage that highlights technical aspects of the competition instead of the athletes’ appearances.

The guidelines also feature testimonies from athletes such as British pole‑vaulter Holly Bradshaw and Serbian jumper Ivana Španović, who describe discomfort with past sexualised coverage. Broadcasters across the EU are expected to adopt the recommendations, reviewing footage before airing to ensure respectful representation of women in sport.