New Camera Guidelines for Female Athletics

Athletes Lead the Fight for Respectful Coverage

Holly Bradshaw, the British Olympic bronze medalist in pole vault, joined a group of athletes advising the European Broadcasting Union on new camera rules. She explained that she has received abusive messages on social media and seen improper videos of herself online, a consequence of revealing camera angles during live coverage. Bradshaw emphasized how broadcast framing can be powerful yet sometimes harmful to both competitors and young viewers. She recounted moments when she was distracted by cameras, focusing on the lens rather than her performance.

Ivana Spanovic Highlights Mental‑Health Impact

Ivana Spanovic, the Serbian Olympic long‑jump champion, also contributed to the EBU’s effort. She warned that certain camera setups cause immediate discomfort and can have lasting mental‑health impacts on athletes. The long jumper highlighted that the pressure of being constantly recorded affects concentration during competition.

How the EBU Guidelines Aim to Protect

Following extensive talks with the athletes, the EBU produced a practical “do’s and don’ts” list for cameramen and producers. Executive director of EBU Sport, Glen Killane, described the sexualisation of women athletes through selective angles and editing as a persistent issue. The guidance explicitly targets low‑angle shots, lingering body focus, and excessive slow‑motion replays that lack a clear purpose. The goal is to keep the emphasis on athletic performance rather than on revealing imagery.

Key Do’s and Don’ts for Broadcasters

Broadcasters are urged to rethink framing choices to respect competitors and their audiences. The recommendations stem from real experiences of athletes who have been objectified by camera work. Implementing the guidance could set a new standard for coverage across European events. Observers view the move as a step toward healthier representation in sport media.

• Avoid low‑angle cameras underneath athletes in events such as high jump or pole vault, as they can generate compromising images.
• Do not linger on bodies or use low‑angle shots that capture revealing views.
• Limit excessive slow‑motion replays that serve no technical purpose or storytelling value.

The European Athletics Championships, slated for August 10 in Birmingham, will be one of the first major events to test the new rules, as BBC Sport holds the broadcast rights. If the guidelines are adopted, viewers may notice a shift in how female athletes are framed, with fewer provocative angles. However, the Diamond League, also broadcast by the BBC, operates outside the EBU framework and may not be required to follow the same standards. The broader reach of the EBU—covering 57 countries and over a billion people—means that adherence could influence global broadcasting practices.