European Athletics Updates Broadcast Rules for Camera Angles to Combat Sexualization of Female Athletes

European Athletics, in a landmark collaboration with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), today unveiled comprehensive new broadcasting guidelines aimed at eradicating the sexualisation of female athletes during televised events. The 23-page document, aptly titled 'Raising the Bar,' was published on July 14, 2026, and seeks to reshape how women's athletics are presented to audiences worldwide. Shravani Sangle Anchors India to Mixed 4x400m Relay Gold at Asian U23 Athletics Championships (Watch Video).

The initiative comes as a direct response to persistent concerns regarding the objectification and misrepresentation of sportswomen, with the new directives providing practical advice to broadcasters on appropriate camera angles and replay choices.

Shifting Focus from Body to Brilliance

The 'Raising the Bar' guide explicitly cautions against certain camera techniques that have historically contributed to the sexualisation of female athletes. These include unnecessarily prolonged shots of an athlete's body, revealing views, and slow-motion replays that lack technical or storytelling value.

Instead, the guidelines advocate for a focus on wider camera angles that capture the full scope of an athlete's movement, technique, and overall performance. This includes showcasing run-ups, take-offs, and landings in their entirety, rather than zooming in on specific body parts. Illustrated examples within the document visually differentiate between acceptable and discouraged shots, covering events such as high jump, pole vault, long jump, and running.

Athlete Voices Drive Change

The development of these guidelines was significantly influenced by direct feedback from elite sportswomen who have experienced discomfort and distraction due to intrusive camera work. British Olympic pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw, 35, stated, "Athletes want to enjoy themselves doing the sport they love without feeling uncomfortable or anxious about the footage being shown live." Bradshaw, who retired from competition, also revealed, "I first-hand have received social media abuse and witnessed inappropriate videos online of myself and colleagues when slow motion content of us competing is captured." Russian Athletics Federation Heads to CAS Over Ongoing World Athletics Ban.

Serbian long jumper Ivana Spanovic, 36, echoed these sentiments, highlighting potential mental health impacts and even physical safety concerns stemming from camera placement. Croatian high jumper Blanka Vlašić also contributed to the feedback that shaped the new standards.

Glen Killane, Executive Director of EBU Sport, underscored the importance of the initiative, stating, "The sexualization of women athletes through selective camera angles and editing choices continues to be a significant concern across many sports broadcasts." He added, "Women's sport deserves to be seen, covered, and valued on equal terms." Dobromir Karamarinov, President of European Athletics, reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to presenting the sport in a way that "respects and empowers all athletes."

Guidelines, Not Mandates

It is important to note that the 'Raising the Bar' document presents a set of voluntary guidelines rather than mandatory rules with penalties. However, both European Athletics and the EBU hope these recommendations will serve to elevate editorial standards across the industry, ensuring media coverage celebrates the skill, effort, and achievements of female athletes above all else.

These forward-thinking guidelines represent a crucial step towards fostering a more respectful and performance-focused environment for women's athletics in broadcasting, aiming to safeguard athletes' well-being and inspire future generations of sportswomen. The document is now available to all broadcasters covering women's athletics, signaling a collective effort to raise the bar for media integrity.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 15, 2026 12:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).