European Athletics, in partnership with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), has introduced new broadcast guidelines aimed at preventing the unnecessary sexualisation of female athletes during sports coverage.
The recommendations ask broadcasters to avoid intrusive camera angles, body-focused shots and slow-motion replays that do not add sporting value, while encouraging coverage that highlights athletes’ skills, techniques and achievements.
The move follows concerns raised by several athletes who said certain filming practices made them uncomfortable, distracted attention from their performances and contributed to the misuse of footage online.
The guidelines, titled “Raising the Bar: Guidelines for Respectful Media Coverage in Women’s Athletics,” are not a ban on close-ups or replays but a call for more responsible storytelling.
European Athletics and the EBU said the aim is to ensure women athletes are represented primarily as competitors, with coverage reflecting their dedication, talent and sporting excellence.
Shifting Focus To Performance
European Athletics and the EBU have issued a set of recommendations asking broadcasters, camera operators and production teams to rethink how women’s athletics events are filmed and presented to audiences.
The guidelines highlight that sports coverage should focus on athletic performance rather than appearance. Broadcasters have been advised to avoid unnecessary close-up shots of specific body parts, camera angles that appear intrusive, and slow-motion sequences that do not contribute to understanding the sport.
Instead, the recommendations encourage the use of wider action shots, technical analysis, athlete reactions and storytelling methods that capture the skill, strategy and physical effort behind performances.
European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov said the initiative was about maintaining high-quality sports coverage while ensuring athletes are treated with respect. The organisation emphasised that the guidelines are intended as a collaborative framework for broadcasters rather than strict restrictions.
The EBU also stressed that women’s sports deserve coverage that reflects athletes’ achievements and abilities rather than reinforcing stereotypes around appearance.
The recommendations come amid growing discussions around how female athletes are portrayed in the media, particularly as women’s sports continue to attract larger audiences globally.
Athletes Raise Concerns
The introduction of the guidelines follows feedback from athletes who said some broadcast practices have made them uncomfortable and shifted attention away from their sporting achievements.
Athletes involved in discussions around the recommendations, including British Olympic pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw, Serbian long jumper Ivana Španović and Croatian high jumper Blanka Vlašić, shared experiences that contributed to shaping the new framework.
Many female athletes have pointed out that their performances require years of training, discipline and dedication, but discussions around their appearance can sometimes overshadow their achievements.
Events such as pole vault, high jump and long jump often involve complex movements captured through multiple camera angles. Athletes have argued that while close-up footage can be useful for analysing technique, unnecessary focus on their bodies can create discomfort and distract from the competition itself.
Another major concern raised by athletes is the misuse of broadcast footage after it is uploaded online. With sports clips frequently shared across social media platforms, some athletes have highlighted how footage can be edited, taken out of context and circulated in ways unrelated to sport.
The new guidelines aim to address this challenge by encouraging broadcasters to consider the purpose behind every shot and ensure that coverage remains centred on sporting moments.
Not A Ban On Replays
European Athletics clarified that the recommendations do not prevent broadcasters from using close-ups, slow-motion replays or creative camera techniques. Instead, the focus is on ensuring that every visual element serves a meaningful sporting purpose.
For example, a slow-motion replay showing an athlete’s take-off technique during a high jump attempt can help viewers understand the skill involved. Similarly, analysing an athlete’s running form or movement during a race can add value to the audience’s understanding of the event.
However, replays or camera shots that focus primarily on an athlete’s body without adding sporting context are discouraged under the new recommendations.
Former world long jump champion Ivana Španović suggested that broadcasters can explore alternative ways of explaining athletic movements, such as using aerial views, graphics and technical breakdowns, while maintaining respect for competitors.
The guidelines reflect a broader shift in sports broadcasting, where audiences increasingly expect coverage that highlights athletes’ journeys, preparation and performances rather than focusing on physical appearance.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The way athletes are represented in the media plays an important role in shaping how society views women in sports. Female athletes have spent decades challenging stereotypes and proving their abilities on global platforms, and their achievements deserve to be recognised with dignity and fairness.
Responsible sports coverage does not mean reducing creativity or limiting storytelling. Instead, it means ensuring that every frame respects the athlete behind the performance. Cameras and broadcasters have the power to inspire millions by showcasing determination, resilience and excellence rather than reinforcing outdated ideas about how women should be viewed.
Also read: From Gandhi To Sonam Wangchuk: 8 Hunger Strikes That Changed India’s Political Landscape
