European Athletics and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced new guidelines on Wednesday, July 15th, 2026, designed to prevent the sexualisation of female athletes in sports broadcasts through camera angles and replay usage. The guidelines, titled "Raising the Bar," were developed based on feedback from athletes who reported discomfort and distractions caused by certain camera shots that divert attention from their performances.

Broadcasters are advised to avoid prolonged close-ups of specific body parts, low-angle shots filmed from behind or beneath athletes, and slow-motion replays that do not enhance the understanding of the sporting action. Instead, production teams are encouraged to use wider camera angles capturing the full scope of athletic movement.

European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov described the guidelines as "a crucial step toward eliminating harmful portrayals of women in our sports while maintaining the highest level of storytelling and technical excellence."

Former world long jump champion Ivana Spanovic recommended broadcasters adopt innovative camera angles, including aerial views, and use educational graphics to better explain athletic performances.

Glen Killane, executive director of EBU Sport, emphasized that "the sexualisation of women athletes through selective camera angles and editing choices continues to be a significant concern across many sports broadcasts."

The guidelines are available for all broadcasters and aim to foster an ongoing conversation among broadcasters, directors, camera operators, and athletes to improve sports coverage.

Sources