CorpComms Magazine

One of the UK's longest-running employee publications BA News is about to get a thoroughly modern makeover. The new magazine Up to Speed is to be produced to a consumer standard by Cedar, the publishers responsible for the airline's in-flight titles.

In the midst of a very public internal communications wrangle with its cabin crew staff, the new publication promises not simply to tout a party line but to offer 'in depth analysis, profiles, travel and opinion'. The majority of content will be created by, and all about, BA staff and customers.

Company news will still be delivered in a weekly e-newsletter entitled Up to date, produced by the company's in-house team.

Penny Lawson, head of internal communications at British Airways, said of the move: 'Our much-loved newspaper has served us well, but many of our staff now expect to read about breaking news as it happens, online, at the same time as wanting the connectedness that a print publication can bring. That's what this change is all about.

'As a company, we are looking ahead and want to reflect the dynamism and professionalism of our people. It is the right time for a fresh approach.'

Mark Jones, editorial director at Cedar, added: 'We're not going to shy away from the huge issues facing the airline and the industry, however. The magazine will inform, debate and analyse - what it emphatically won't be is a propaganda sheet.'

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