What impact can live broadcast display have on female athletes?

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Live Broadcast Display Can Negatively Impact Female Athletes

Live broadcast displays can exert a significant and often detrimental influence on female athletes, affecting their performance, public perception, and personal well-being. These impacts stem from various broadcasting practices, including the use of specific camera angles, excessive slow-motion replays, and the overall editing choices that can inadvertently or deliberately sexualise athletes. The concerns have been articulated by athletes themselves, who have experienced and witnessed these issues firsthand.
Athletes Face Social Media Abuse and Inappropriate Online Content

One of the most concerning impacts is the exposure of female athletes to social media abuse and the proliferation of inappropriate online videos. When broadcasters capture slow-motion content of athletes competing, this material can be misused, leading to personal distress and reputational damage for the athletes involved. This issue has been directly reported by athletes who have experienced such online harassment and have seen colleagues subjected to similar treatment.
Cameras Can Distract Athletes During Competition

The presence and operation of cameras during live events can also directly interfere with an athlete's performance. Athletes have reported feeling more focused on the cameras themselves rather than concentrating on their athletic tasks. This heightened awareness of the broadcast equipment can lead to a loss of focus, potentially affecting their ability to perform at their best during critical moments of competition.
Editing Choices Can Lead to Sexualisation

Specific broadcasting techniques, such as the use of zoomed-in shots, excessive slow-motion replays, and particular camera angles, have been identified as contributing factors to the sexualisation of women athletes. Low camera angles, particularly in events like high jump or pole vault, can capture compromising images. Furthermore, lingering shots on athletes' bodies and revealing views from low angles, especially when lacking clear technical or storytelling purpose, are cited as problematic practices.

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What impact can live broadcast display have on female athletes?

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