Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the development of internal communication in Norway between 1960 and 1990. It also seeks to provide a plausible explanation for why internal communication became important during this period. Design/methodology/approach Empirical data have been collected from archival sources and media outlets. These data are interpreted through the lens of Peter Wagner's theory of successive modernities and Anthony Giddens' conceptualisation of late modernity. Fin