The EBU (European Broadcasting Union) Sport has published a paper called Raising the Bar: Guidelines for respectful media coverage in women’s athletics.
According to the EBU, Raising the Bar sets out practical guidelines for respectful camera work in women’s athletics, drawing on real broadcast examples and the first-hand experiences of Olympic competitors Holly Bradshaw, Ivana Španović and Blanka Vlašić. It shows how the angles that best capture technique and emotion are often the very same ones that treat athletes with dignity.
Across high jump, pole vault, horizontal jumps, and running events, the report demonstrates how the most compromising shots can be avoided with no loss of storytelling or visual quality. Whether you direct a major production or work with a small crew, the guidelines are designed to offer a clear, shared standard for broadcasters, directors, camera operators and the athletes they cover.
“The sexualization of women athletes through selective camera angles and editing choices continues to be a significant concern across many sports broadcasts. Lingering shots on bodies, low-angle cameras that capture revealing views, and excessive slow-motion replays that serve no technical or storytelling purpose are among the issues observed in the media coverage of women’s athletics competitions today. These choices carry profound implications. They shape
audience perception by diverting attention from the remarkable achievements and technical skills of women athletes, and risk perpetuating harmful stereotypes.”
Glen KILLANE, Executive Director, EBU Sport
Above you can see some of the reccomended examples that appear in the report.
Now, the guidelines are not a list of restrictions; they are simply guidelines and can’t really be enforced.
