Many years go I also applied for a position in corporate communications there. After hours, the person who interviewed me called me on the phone and said, "If they offer this job, don't take it!" I asked why and she said the corporate politics were murder. I had several other offers at the time and opted for a company that was a little more "human."
Later this person and I became friends. She fortunately was able to move on to a job that wasn't so "political."
Like I said, this was a long time ago but it might be something to check out. Corporate culture does change, especially with changes in upper management, and I am sure this company has undergone numerous management changes since that time.
Cher