European Broadcasting Union introduces new rules for female athlete coverage

New guidelines from the European Broadcasting Union, titled ‘Raising the Bar’, aim to prevent the sexualization of female athletes during television broadcasts. The rules restrict specific camera angles, such as low-angle shots and close-ups at the starting line, and suggest cutting slow-motion replays during certain movements to protect athletes from voyeurism and social media abuse.

Critics argue these measures may compromise the technical and dramatic quality of sports coverage. There are concerns that avoiding certain shots could obscure the biomechanical precision and physical effort of athletes, such as long jumpers. Additionally, observers have noted a disparity in treatment, as male athletes continue to be filmed with intense, unfiltered close-ups during moments of physical exertion or injury.