World Surf League tells cameramen not to zoom in on surfers like Tyler Wright.tom bennett/world surf league
Female surfers "wearing high-cut bikini bottoms have been given reassurance" their backsides will not be "broadcast around the world" -- at least not close-ups, according to the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. The World Surf League attempted to "get out in front of the #metoo movement" by asking the camera people filming its events "not to zoom in on competitors," according to Stab Magazine. The magazine wrote, "The World Surf League met on the Gold Coast during the Quiksilver Pro and sexual harassment was the number one topic for their human resource department. The meeting was a refresher on the rules and responsibilities of all WSL employees, a scenario taking place at big businesses around the world. ... All cinematographers have been instructed to exercise discretion while shooting the women's heats. Cinematographers must be careful to be zoomed out during bottom turns or duck dives. A live broadcast means there is no time for editing so all camera operators need to use common sense when shooting" (NZ HERALD, 3/13). When contacted regarding the report, a WSL spokesperson said, "The WSL regularly trains its staff in code of conduct and employee enhancement programs. We hold our staff, content and organization to high standards across the board" (Travis Ostrander, SBD Global).
WSL GETS BOOST: IT WIRE's Alex Zaharov-Reutt reported WSL and Boost Mobile announced "a new partnership to ensure every heat and every event is available to fans." The companies said that "the partnership responds to the needs of data-hungry surf fans" (IT WIRE, 3/12).
