From Company Magazine to a Digital Communication Platform

Challenge the communication method, not simply the production brief.

The challenge

A long-standing client had communicated with its workforce through a company magazine for decades. The publication was familiar and established, but Comtec believed the organisation could communicate more immediately, visually and interactively.

The thinking

The initial recommendation to move away from the magazine was strongly challenged by the Chief Executive. Rather than abandoning the idea, Comtec proposed proving it alongside the existing publication so the client could judge the results rather than take a leap of faith.

The concept developed into a company television and digital communications platform. Short interviews, training, toolbox talks, community stories and company news could be produced in a format that people could watch rather than simply read. The objective was not to replace one piece of media with another. It was to create a more flexible communication environment capable of reaching people across the organisation.

The solution

Comtec designed and built the supporting TV studio, trained client personnel and helped develop content and production workflows. Around 20 interactive touchscreens were incorporated into the wider communication system, supporting training, first aid information, visitor induction, historic material, community offers, wellbeing, news, interactive graphics and company television content.

The result

The traditional magazine and the new platform initially ran alongside each other. Within months, the magazine was phased out and the digital communication platform became the principal approach. What began as a challenge to a familiar annual communication method became a broader internal communications system.

Comtec principle

Sometimes the most valuable production decision is not choosing different equipment. It is asking whether there is a better way to communicate.