# EU broadcast guidelines for women's athletics

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eu-broadcast-guidelines-for-womens-athletics
> Updated: 2026-08-08T10:21:33.000Z. Sources: 43. Developments: 4.

In mid‑July 2026, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and European Athletics issued a 23‑page handbook, “Raising the Bar,” to curb the sexualisation of women’s track‑and‑field broadcasts. Developed with input from athletes such as Holly Bradshaw, Ivana Španović, and Blanka Vlašić, the guide prohibits low‑angle, rear‑view, overly close, or lingering shots and excessive slow‑motion. Instead, it urges broadcasters to focus on technical aspects, performance, and emotion.

EBU Sport executive Glen Killane highlighted the need to respect athlete dignity, while athletes noted that intrusive camera work can cause discomfort and provoke online abuse. While the guidelines serve as recommendations rather than mandatory rules, they encourage broadcasters to review footage to ensure respectful representation. 

By early August 2026, the initiative received positive feedback from the athletic community. Supporters noted that the guidelines may help female athletes feel more comfortable regarding how they are filmed. The initiative, which aligns with Safe Sport Day, aims to foster dialogue between broadcasters and athletes to ensure that high-quality technical production can coexist with respectful visual storytelling.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-08: European Athletics and EBU issue guidelines against sexualization in sport

European Athletics and the EBU have introduced new guidelines to prevent sexualized camera angles and ensure respectful media coverage of female athletes in track and field.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-athletics-and-ebu-issue-guidelines-against-sexualization-in-sport

### 2026-07-18: European Broadcasting Union bans sexualized camera angles in women's athletics broadcasts

The EBU issued new guidelines to stop sexualised camera angles in women's athletics coverage, urging focus on performance and citing athletes' concerns.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-broadcasting-union-bans-sexualized-camera-angles-in-womens-athletics-broadcasts

### 2026-07-16: European Broadcasting Union issues new guidelines to curb sexualized camera angles in women's athletics

EBU and European Athletics released a 23‑page “Raising the Bar” guide to stop sexualising female athletes by banning low‑angle, close‑up and excessive slow‑motion shots, prompting mixed public reactions.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-broadcasters-adopt-new-guidelines-to-curb-sexualized-camera-angles-in-womens-athletics

### 2026-07-14: EBU releases guidelines to curb sexualised camera shots in women's athletics

The EBU and European Athletics released a 23‑page “Raising the Bar” guide urging broadcasters to avoid sexualising camera angles in women’s athletics and focus on performance, with input from top athletes.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ebu-adopts-new-womens-athletics-broadcast-guidelines

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Cite as: EU broadcast guidelines for women's athletics. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eu-broadcast-guidelines-for-womens-athletics