EBU calls for an end to sexualized shots of female athletes during broadcasts

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), together with European Athletics, has introduced new recommendations for broadcasting track and field competitions. Their aim is to remove from the broadcast footage that may sexualize female athletes and shift viewers’ attention to sporting achievements rather than appearance.

Under the new recommendations, directors and camera operators are advised to avoid prolonged close-ups that focus on specific parts of female athletes’ bodies, as well as slow-motion replays of such shots if they have no sporting value. Instead, they are encouraged to use more wide and medium shots showing technique, speed, coordination and the progress of the competition.

Why the new recommendations were introduced

The document was prepared after consultations with professional female track and field athletes. Many of them said they felt uncomfortable because of intrusive camera work before the start and during competitions.

In addition, the athletes noted that such footage often leads to sexualized comments, harassment and insults on social media after tournaments.

The EBU stresses that the purpose of sports broadcasting is to show athletes’ skill and results, not to draw attention to their bodies.

What will change in broadcasts

The recommendations suggest:

avoiding prolonged close-ups of individual body parts without sporting necessity;

not using slow-motion replays of such shots;

showing athletes more often in full-body and wider shots so that viewers can assess technique and the development of the competition;

structuring the broadcast around sporting results rather than the appearance of participants.

At the same time, close-ups are not being completely banned. They can still be used if they help show athletes’ emotions, details of technique or an important moment in the competition.

A long-standing problem in sports broadcasting

The issue of sexualizing female athletes has been discussed for many years. Studies and the competitors themselves have repeatedly pointed out that women’s competitions are more often filmed with an emphasis on appearance than men’s. This is especially true in sports that use tight-fitting athletic wear, such as track and field, beach volleyball, gymnastics and swimming.

The EBU hopes the new recommendations will help change the approach to broadcasts and focus viewers’ attention on athletes’ sporting achievements, professionalism and skill.