Watch Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo

Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo is a two-part Australian television miniseries that first aired in 2011. Produced by Endemol and starring Asher Keddie, the show depicts the story of the birth of Cleo magazine - a pioneering women's magazine that revolutionized the publishing industry in Australia in the 1970s. The show begins in 1972, with Kerry Packer, the owner of Australian Consolidated Press, looking to create a new magazine that would rival those produced by his competitors. Instead of targeting the traditional women's market with cliched articles on cooking and fashion, Packer decides to take a bold step and produce a magazine that would appeal to young, independent women by covering topics like sex, relationships, and career. Enter Ita Buttrose, a young journalist who is initially skeptical of Packer's vision but eventually comes on board as the editor of the magazine. The show follows Ita's journey as she recruits a team of writers and photographers, including feminist writer Germaine Greer, and shapes the magazine's content to appeal to its target audience. Along the way, she faces numerous challenges, including censorship and pushback from the male-dominated publishing industry, but persists in her vision to create a magazine that empowers women and gives them a voice. Throughout the show, we see a number of themes explored, including the relationship between Ita and her male boss Packer, the changing social values of 1970s Australia, and the power of the media to bring about social change. The show also has a strong human interest angle, with Ita's personal life featuring prominently as she balances the demands of her job with her family commitments. One of the standout performances in the show comes from Asher Keddie, who plays Ita Buttrose with depth and authenticity. Keddie portrays Ita as a fierce and determined woman who is not afraid to challenge the status quo and fight for what she believes in. She also brings a vulnerability to the character, showing the toll that the pressures of the job can take on her personal life. The show is also impressive in its attention to historical detail, with costumes and sets authentically portraying the 1970s era in Australia. It also manages to capture the essence of the Cleo magazine brand, with magazine covers and articles from the time featuring heavily in the show. Overall, Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo is a compelling and thought-provoking show that tells an important story about the power of the media to challenge social norms and bring about change. With strong performances from its cast and attention to historical detail, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of women's magazines and the role they have played in shaping our culture.