While my beloved Red Sox failed to make the playoffs, I’ll be watching this year’s World Series between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies (and rooting for the underdog Phillies). I’ll probably stream a couple of the games from my laptop, and I might meet up with some friends at a bar to watch the others. If I miss a game, I’ll be able to pull up the highlights on my phone.

So much about the viewing experience has changed since the first televised World Series, 75 years ago. Communication scholar James Walker takes readers back to that seminal moment in sports broadcasting history – from the behind-the-scenes drama of negotiating the broadcasting rights, to the crowds that amassed in pubs and storefronts to catch a glimpse of the action between the New York Yankees and Brooklyn Dodgers.

The viewing conditions were terrible by today’s standards – tiny screens, poor resolution and no instant replay. But the millions who tuned in for the dramatic seven-game series were as sure a sign as any that television was here to stay.

At the time of the 1947 World Series, there were between 50,000 and 60,000 television sets in the entire country. A decade later, more than 38 million households would own one.

This week we also liked articles about a new way to research baby sea turtles, a prominent American Indian who probably faked her Native heritage and what recovery looks like for stroke survivors like Pennsylvania Senate candidate John Fetterman.

Nick Lehr

Arts + Culture Editor

An estimated 3.5 million Americans viewed the first televised World Series at bars, restaurants and storefronts. Bettmann/Getty Images

The first televised World Series spurred America’s television boom, 75 years ago

James Walker, Saint Xavier University

Just five days before the first pitch of the 1947 World Series, a deal was struck to air the Series on television.

Newly hatched loggerhead sea turtles (Caterra caretta) journey from their nest toward the ocean. Omer Kundakci/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

To help protect newly hatched baby sea turtles, we designed a tool for sensing activity inside their nests

Erin Clabough, University of Virginia

Scientists don’t know what prompts turtle hatchlings to emerge from their nests and head for the water, but vibrations appear to play a role.

Sacheen Littlefeather speaks at the 45th Academy Awards. Bettmann/Getty Images

Sacheen Littlefeather and ethnic fraud – why the truth is crucial, even it it means losing an American Indian hero

Dina Gilio Whitaker, California State University San Marcos

A new report disputes the heritage claims of Native American activist Sacheen Littlefeather. A scholar explains why scrutiny over alleged ethnic fraud is essential.

The Conversation Quiz 🧠

  • Here’s the first question of this week’s edition:

    Which of the following recently became available over the counter in the U.S.?

    1. A. Caffeinated eye drops
    2. B. Rocket launchers
    3. C. Hair plugs
    4. D. Hearing aids

    Test your knowledge