"Raising the Bar": New European Media Directive Bans Intrusive Camera Angles on Female Competitors

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and European Athletics have jointly launched a groundbreaking 23-page directive titled "Raising the Bar," establishing strict new television production standards designed to eliminate the on-screen sexualization and objectification of female competitors.

The comprehensive guidelines instruct television directors and camera operators to shift their focus entirely away from physical appearance, prioritizing athletic performance, technical skill, and sporting achievements instead.

Banned Camera Practices and Framing

Under the new regulations, sports broadcast crews are explicitly restricted from using visual techniques that compromise the dignity of competitors. Key mandates include:

• No Lingering Close-Ups: A strict ban on prolonged filming focused unnecessarily on specific body parts.
• No Compromising Angles: Shifting away from low-angle shots captured from behind or beneath athletes, a practice highly criticized during pole vault, high jump, and beach volleyball events.
• No Gratuitous Replays: Eliminating slow-motion clips that add no technical value to understanding the performance.

A Shift to Technical Storytelling

Production teams are now required to adopt broadcast standards that celebrate athletic merit. The guidelines heavily encourage:

• Wider Camera Frames: Using angles that capture the full scope of an athlete’s movement, run-ups, and take-offs.
• Technical Insights: Restricting slow-motion footage to analytical clips that showcase precision, perfect strides, or mechanical execution.
• Storytelling Visuals: Prioritizing graphics and footage that highlight the athlete’s emotions, strategic dedication, and competitive success.

Backed by Elite Athletes

The initiative follows years of mounting frustration from elite sports stars who consulted on the project, including British Olympic pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw and Serbian former long jump world champion Ivana Španović. Competitors noted that intrusive live framing caused severe discomfort and distraction during high-stakes events.

Furthermore, officials emphasized that poor camera placement frequently allowed broadcast footage to be inappropriately cropped, screenshotted, and circulated across social media. By controlling the feed at the source, European sports body officials hope to curb digital harassment.

Broader Industry Impact

The "Raising the Bar" directive marks a significant shift in sports media, setting a modern precedent for how women's sports are framed globally. European Athletics confirmed that implementation will begin immediately across all sanctioned continental championships, with the EBU urging its global media partners to adopt the framework.

FULL DETAILS ON EBU VIA PDF: https://www.ebu.ch/files/live/sites/ebu/files/Publications/strategic/open/EBU_Sport_raising_the_bar.pdf