Ep 3. Let Them Wear Towels

Nine for IX is a sports documentary series that features nine different stories of women who have made an impact in sports. Season 1 episode 3, titled Let Them Wear Towels, delves into the struggles and obstacles that female sports reporters faced in the 1970s and 80s.

The episode begins by looking at the history of female sports reporters in the US. It highlights the lack of opportunities and respect given to women in the industry. Female reporters were often only assigned to cover "soft" stories, such as fashion or cooking, and were rarely allowed to cover men's sports. This changed in 1975 when a law was passed that prohibited gender discrimination in education and sports.

The documentary then introduces us to a group of women who were at the forefront of the battle to be treated equally in the sports reporting world. The group includes such prominent names as Lesley Visser, Robin Herman, and Melissa Ludtke.

The women talk about the challenges they faced just trying to access locker rooms and press boxes. They describe being physically threatened and insulted by male athletes and fans who believed that women had no place in the locker room. They also discuss the sexism and harassment they faced from male colleagues who were threatened by their presence.

Despite all of the obstacles, the women persisted. They fought for their rights to cover sports alongside their male counterparts. They formed a bond with each other, supporting one another through the sexism and harassment they faced. The documentary explores the ways in which this support network allowed them to continue breaking down barriers in the world of sports reporting.

One particularly notable story that the episodes follows is the lawsuit brought by Melissa Ludtke against Major League Baseball. Ludtke was a reporter for Sports Illustrated in 1977 when she was denied access to the locker room during the World Series. She sued MLB, and her case eventually made its way to the Supreme Court, which ruled in her favor. The ruling meant that women could no longer be denied access to locker rooms solely on the basis of their gender.

Throughout the episode, the women also speak about how their work helped pave the way for future generations of female sports reporters. They discuss the ways in which the industry has changed since the 70s and 80s, and the progress that has been made in terms of gender equality.

Overall, Let Them Wear Towels is an insightful and inspiring look at the struggle for gender equality in the sports reporting world. It is a testament to the bravery and perseverance of these trailblazing women, and a reminder of the work that remains to be done to achieve true equality in sports and beyond.