When Anna Wintour calls you fearless, you know it means something. But Cork-born Samantha Barry, editor-in-chief of Glamour magazine, long ago proved just how far she'll go to get the story and now, she's shaking up the publishing world.
We follow Irish woman @samanthabarry, who is Editor in Chief of Glamour, in the run up to their Women of the Year awards in New York#FearlessSamBarry tonight 9.35pm @RTEPlayer pic.twitter.com/epi9bDcFRW
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) June 8, 2020
From traveling the world for ABC Australia and the US State Department, to leading social media teams for CNN during the 2016 presidential election – and even guest lecturing at Yale University – there's not much that could stand in Barry's way when she wants to do something.
In 'Fearless: Samantha Barry', we follow Barry as she takes the helm of Glamour and prepares one of the highlights of the fashion world's calendar and an event attended by the brightest stars of the moment.
We'll sit in on top meetings, glimpsing how one of the most influential publishing companies plans for this major event: the 29th Glamour Women of the Year Awards. At this star-studded event, featuring honourees such as Jane Fonda, Megan Rapinoe and Charlize Theron, Barry gets to shine as MC, but is the behind-the-scenes reality as glamorous as it looks?
Born in Ballincollig, Barry studied in DCU and went on to work in New York City. Driven by fierce determination, she racked up experience in RTÉ, Newstalk, BBC World News and more, always garnering attention for her confidence and vision.
Barry landed the dream job in early 2018 and was praised by Condé Nast's artistic director, Anna Wintour, as a "fearless" leader. As the magazine's first digital-first editor, Barry led the publication in a totally new direction.
At the time of her appointment, Glamour was one of the biggest brands in publishing, attracting more than 15 million consumers across social, 10 million in print, and 7 million digital each month. It was founded in 1939 and made its name as a sharp voice on women's experiences, as well as fashion and beauty.
Now, two years into the role, Barry has pushed the magazine's digital audience to record heights.
Anna Wintour explained why the Cork woman is perfect for the role of Editor-In-Chief, saying: "Glamour is very much a reflection of young women that we see today and Sam is its perfect leader".
In this exclusive, all-access and highly glamorous documentary, we'll hear from Wintour, Susan Plagemann – Condé Nast's Chief Commercial – and more about why Barry is one of the most important women in media today.
Watch Fearless: Samantha Barry on Monday, June 8, at 9:30pm on RTÉ One.
