The Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) has issued new guidelines to camera operators to avoid sexist shots at the Olympics. OBS CEO Yiannis Exarchos said that women athletes are still sometimes filmed in a way that reinforces stereotypes.
The Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) is taking steps to address sexism in camera coverage of the Olympic Games. In a statement released on Sunday, OBS CEO Yiannis Exarchos said that the organization had updated its guidelines for camera operators to ensure that women athletes are treated with respect.
Exarchos cited an "unconscious bias" among some camera operators who tend to perform more close-up shots of women than men. He said that this practice can lead to the perpetuation of stereotypes about women athletes.
Olympics Broadcaster Urges Camera Operators to Fight Sexism
"Women athletes are not there because they are more attractive or sexy or whatever," Exarchos said. "They are there because they are elite athletes."
The OBS guidelines are designed to help camera operators avoid framing women athletes in a way that objectifies them. The guidelines also call on camera operators to be mindful of the language they use when discussing women athletes.
Olympics Broadcaster Urges Camera Operators to Fight Sexism
"We want to make sure that our coverage is fair and objective," Exarchos said. "We want to showcase the athleticism of all athletes, regardless of their gender."
The OBS guidelines have been welcomed by many women athletes who have long complained about the sexist treatment they receive from the media.
Olympics Broadcaster Urges Camera Operators to Fight Sexism
"It's about time that the OBS took action on this issue," said former Olympic swimmer Nancy Hogshead-Makar. "Women athletes deserve to be treated with respect, both on and off the field of play."
The OBS guidelines are just one step in the fight against sexism in sports media. However, they are an important step, and they send a clear message that the OBS is committed to providing fair and impartial coverage of the Olympic Games.
In addition to the OBS guidelines, Eurosport recently removed one of its commentators from the coverage of the Paris Olympics after he made a sexist remark about the Australian women's swim team. The commentator, Bob Ballard, apologized for his remark, but he was still removed from the coverage.
The Eurosport incident is a reminder that sexism in sports media is still a problem. However, the OBS guidelines and the Eurosport incident show that there is a growing movement to address this issue.
Women athletes deserve to be treated with respect, both on and off the field of play. The OBS guidelines are an important step in the fight against sexism in sports media.
