Ep 1. Part 1

Set in 1972, 'Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo' follows the true story of two women who revolutionized the Australian magazine industry by launching Cleo magazine, a publication that openly discussed women's sexual issues and other taboo topics. In the first episode, 'Part 1', we are introduced to the charismatic Ita Buttrose, a 30-year-old journalist who has been hand-picked by Kerry Packer to revamp Women's Weekly, a struggling magazine that needs a serious makeover to keep up with the changing times.

Despite the naysayers who believe that women's magazines should only focus on cooking, cleaning, and child-rearing, Ita is determined to give her readers something more. She wants to create a magazine that will not only entertain and inform but also challenge and empower women. When she comes across a copy of Cosmopolitan, an American magazine that covers sex and relationships in an honest and frank manner, Ita realizes that this is what Australian women need and deserve.

With the help of her young and talented team, including fashion editor Maggie Tabberer, the newly-minted Cleo team gets to work. However, they soon realize that launching a new magazine is not going to be easy. The existing industry is hostile to change, advertisers are wary of their radical approach, and even the printers are unsure about how to handle their risqué content.

The team faces several obstacles as they work on their first issue of Cleo, including a potential lawsuit over their use of the word 'clitoris'. However, they refuse to back down and continue to push the boundaries of what is acceptable for women's magazines. Meanwhile, Ita juggles her work responsibilities with being a single mother to her two children, a task that is made even more challenging by her boss, Kerry Packer, who is constantly demanding her attention.

The episode ends with the team putting together the first issue of Cleo, which features a striking cover photo of a model looking directly at the camera, with the words 'Don't miss this issue. It's all about sex' printed in bold letters. It is a bold statement, one that is sure to raise eyebrows and attract attention, but it is also a clear indication of the team's commitment to their vision of creating a magazine that is unapologetically feminist and sex-positive.

Overall, 'Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo' is a fascinating look at a pivotal moment in Australian media history. It is a story of perseverance, creativity, and the power of women working together to make their voices heard. The first episode sets the stage for what promises to be an engaging and inspiring story that highlights the importance of challenging the status quo and fighting for what you believe in.