In an effort to promote gender equality and eliminate sexism in sports coverage, the Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) has issued a warning to camera operators ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics. OBS CEO Yiannis Exarchos addressed the media, inviting camera operators to film male and female athletes in the same respectful manner, refraining from perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

As the official broadcaster of the Paris Olympics, OBS is responsible for providing images to rights holders worldwide. In an updated set of guidelines, the organization emphasizes the importance of avoiding "sexist" portrayals of female athletes during the renowned sporting event.

Exarchos pointed out that some camera operators continue to film female athletes differently, leading to identifiable stereotypes and sexism. He stressed that women athletes participate not because of their attractiveness or sex appeal, but because they are exceptional athletes, just like their male counterparts.

While acknowledging the achievements in promoting equal participation of women, Exarchos reiterated that more still needs to be done. OBS aims to ensure that the TV coverage reflects equality and focuses on the athletes' sporting abilities rather than their appearance.

The OBS head highlighted the issue of "unconscious bias," noting that camera operators and TV editors tend to favor close-up shots of female athletes more than their male counterparts. To combat this, OBS has urged camera operators to approach their work with a neutral mindset and avoid perpetuating gender stereotypes.

The upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics are set to make history as the first Games in 128 years to achieve gender parity with an equal number of male and female athletes. Additionally, women's sports will be given more prime-time broadcast spots to further elevate their prominence.

Previously, the scheduling of events heavily favored men's competitions over women's. However, OBS has collaborated with federations and broadcasters to design a more equality-focused program for the Paris Games, ensuring both men's and women's events receive equal attention and airtime.

Moreover, in preparation for the Olympics, Japanese sportswear brand Mizuno has taken measures to protect female athletes from illicit photography. They have introduced infrared-blocking fabric to prevent the use of infrared thermal cameras by those seeking to intrude on athletes' privacy. This development underscores the ongoing efforts to prioritize the safety and well-being of female athletes.

As the sports world continues to prioritize gender equality and diminish harmful biases, the OBS's commitment to fostering equal representation and fair treatment of female athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics sets an important precedent for future events.

The Paris Olympics aspire to provide a platform where athletes are celebrated for their extraordinary talent, irrespective of their gender, further advancing the mission of inclusivity and equality in sports.