EBU and Athletics release guidelines to curb sexualization

New broadcasting guidelines aimed at preventing the sexualization of female track and field athletes have been released by the European Broadcasting Union and European Athletics, sparking intense public debate over their intent and potential impact on viewership. The 23-page document, titled "Raising the Bar," was released in June 2026 and provides detailed recommendations for how broadcasters should film events like the high jump, pole vault, long jump, and sprint races.

The guidelines instruct production teams to avoid specific camera techniques deemed intrusive or suggestive. These include lingering close-ups on specific body parts, low-angle shots from behind or underneath athletes, and slow-motion replays that do not serve to explain technique or advance the sporting narrative. Instead, the document encourages the use of wider angles that showcase an athlete's full run-up, takeoff, and landing, aiming to shift focus to performance and athletic skill.

Glen Killane, Executive Director of EBU Sport, stated that the sexualization of women athletes through selective camera angles and editing choices remains a significant concern in sports broadcasting. He argued that such...