The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has introduced new guidelines for sports broadcasters to curb the sexualization of female athletes. The policy mandates that camera crews avoid low-angle shots and lingering body focus during events like the high jump or pole vault, aiming to eliminate imagery that serves no technical or storytelling purpose.
New EBU Guidelines Target Camera Angles and Editing
The EBU, which provides sports coverage to 57 countries and reaches over a billion people, developed these “do’s and don’ts” following direct discussions with athletes. According to Glen Killane, executive director of EBU Sport, the primary concern is the repetitive use of selective camera angles and editing choices that sexualize women in competition.
Killane specifically cited three practices now discouraged under the new guidance:
- Low-angle cameras that capture revealing views of athletes.
- Lingering shots on bodies.
- Excessive slow-motion replays that lack a clear technical or narrative justification.
Did you know? The EBU’s network includes the BBC, meaning the new standards could appear in upcoming broadcasts, such as the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.
Industry Disparities in Broadcast Standards
While the EBU’s move sets a new precedent for its partners, the implementation is not universal across all major athletics events. A gap exists between EBU-covered competitions and events like the Diamond League.
Because the Diamond League does not operate through the EBU, it would not necessarily have to adhere to these specific guidelines. This creates a landscape where the visual treatment of female athletes may shift depending on whether a viewer is watching an EBU-brokered event or an independent circuit broadcast on the same network, such as the BBC.
Pro Tip: Understanding Broadcast Rights
When analyzing sports coverage, look for the production credits.
Future Trends in Sports Media Ethics
Frequently Asked Questions
Which events will be affected by the new EBU camera guidelines?
The guidance applies to EBU-covered events, such as the European Athletics Championships. It does not automatically apply to independent competitions like the Diamond League.
Why are low-angle cameras considered problematic?
According to the EBU, low-angle shots in sports like the high jump or pole vault have a high probability of generating compromising images of athletes, which contributes to the sexualization of women in sports.
Does this change how slow-motion replays are used?
Yes. The new policy discourages the use of excessive slow-motion replays that do not provide technical insight or aid the storytelling of the race or event.
Have thoughts on how sports broadcasting should evolve? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the future of sports media.
