In early December, I visited The Paley Center for  Media in New York City, and explored its role in preserving television history and hosting key industry events like PaleyFest. While diving feet first into The Paley Archive (pretty much just like the computer area of a library), I mulled a question. What was stored here that was otherwise out of reach to view?  

After testing what I thought were outer limits of TV offerings, I settled on viewing the iconic 1973 broadcast  of Billie Jean King versus Bobby Riggs in the historic “Battle of the  Sexes.” In this episode, I unpack the significance of the archive and share candid reactions to Howard  Cosell’s commentary alongside Rosie Casals and Gene Scott.    

Episode Life Lessons

• Age, training, and mental resilience were crucial to Billie Jean King’s performance.
• The significance of preserving history for future generations to learn and reflect.
• How cultural artifacts like sports broadcasts shape societal conversations on gender and equality.