European Broadcasting Union Introduces New Guidelines for Coverage of Women Athletes

Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and European Athletics have introduced new broadcasting guidelines designed to ensure television coverage of women’s athletics remains focused on sporting performance and professional storytelling.

The recommendations were announced following feedback from athletes who said that certain camera angles and replay techniques could be distracting and shift attention away from competition.

European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov said the initiative represents an important step toward promoting respectful and balanced sports coverage while maintaining high production standards.

Under the new guidance, broadcasters are encouraged to avoid prolonged close-up shots of specific body areas, low-angle camera positions from behind or below athletes, and slow-motion replays that do not contribute to explaining the sporting action.

Instead, production teams are advised to use wider camera angles that highlight the full movement, technique, and overall performance of athletes during competition.

The organizations also noted that the updated approach aims to reduce the possibility of footage being shared out of context on digital platforms, while keeping the focus on athletic achievement.

Former world long jump champion Ivana Španović welcomed the guidelines, saying modern broadcast technology can better showcase the technical skills involved in athletics.

She suggested that broadcasters use innovative camera perspectives, including aerial views and informative graphics, to help viewers better understand key moments such as take-off, stride technique, and other aspects of an athlete’s performance.

The new guidelines are expected to support more consistent and athlete-focused coverage across future European athletics events while preserving the quality of sports broadcasting.