EBU Guide To Cut Sexualized Angles For Women’s Olympians

Why Broadcasters Need New Rules

Athletes already devote massive sacrifice to reach elite competition, juggling time, body and mental strain. The final burden should not be the way they are framed on screen. Recent coverage has highlighted how selective camera work can turn a sport into a spectacle of sexuality, pulling focus from athletic skill. The European Broadcasting Union responded with a 23‑page booklet titled Raising the Bar: Guidelines for respectful media coverage in women’s athletics. Glen Killane, executive director of EBU Sport, notes that lingering shots, low‑angle perspectives and excessive slow‑motion replays are common problems. The guide aims to give broadcasters a concrete roadmap to keep the emphasis on performance.

Key Recommendations for Broadcasters

The booklet offers visual aids and athlete feedback to clarify best practices. Broadcasters are urged to avoid tight shots that capture an athlete’s back and to steer clear of low camera angles that reveal revealing views. Wider shots above the pelvis are preferred, ensuring the audience sees the technical execution rather than isolated body parts. The intent is clear: keep the camera on the sport, not on the body. By adopting these suggestions, networks can help athletes stay comfortable and focused during competition.

• Steer clear of close‑ups from the rear that highlight form without context.
• Eliminate under‑the‑knee low angles that can sexualize movement.
• Prevent lingering footage on areas commonly sexualized in media coverage.
• Prefer broader angles that showcase the athlete’s skill and the overall contest.

Athlete Voices Behind the Guide

Three high‑profile Olympians endorse the new standards. Serbian long jumper Ivana Španović supports the initiative, emphasizing the need for respectful representation. British pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw shares that she has received online abuse and seen inappropriate slow‑motion clips of herself and teammates. Croatian high jumper Blanka Vlašić connects the guide to broader discussions about equal visibility for women’s sports. Bradshaw writes about how athletes often focus on cameras instead of their performance when they fear being objectified. Their collective endorsement adds weight to the recommendations and signals a push for cultural change in sports broadcasting.