News Briefs

BURGER KING:

launched MicroPets Pals this week, a new Kids Meal premium. The MicroPets Pals feature light-up eyes and interactive technology, which allows each Pal to "recognize" and "react" to other Pals. Over 16 different Pals will be offered with the purchase of any Burger King Kids Meal while supplies last.

PREMIERE MAGAZINE: is sending its Premiere Lounge to New York City from May 6-8 throughout the Tribeca Film Festival, in partnership with LIVEstyle Entertainment. The lounge will be the site of several events, including a Premiere magazine and HBO Films party. Cadillac, Columbia House DVD Club, LG Mobile Phones, Michelob, Monster Energy, Pony and Rose's Cocktail Infusions will sponsor the lounge. The lounge will also make appearances at the Cannes Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival.

DC COMICS: is teaming up with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, International Speedway Corp., Mattel, Inc. and Michigan International Speedway to bring the Justice League characters to the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series circuit. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash and Martian Manhunter will team up with some of NASCAR's top drivers for a race taking place August 21-22 at Michigan International Speedway. During the Justice League Racing Weekend, nine cars will be emblazoned with the familiar faces of DC Comics' Justice League. The cars will also be featured in both the NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Events.

SCRIPPS NETWORKS: has named Brooke Johnson as the next president of the Food Network. Johnson, who joined Food Network in May 2003 as senior-VP and general manager, succeeds Judy Girard, who earlier this year was tapped to head Scripps Networks' newest endeavor, Shop At Home Network. Johnson will focus on programming and new business development for Food Network, as well as managing the network's relationships with other Scripps Networks brands.

HARPERCOLLINS: presents a publishing program based on the new feature film, Benji—Off the Leash. HarperKidsEntertainment has been granted World English-language rights from Benji Returns LLC. HarperCollins will launch the movie tie-in book program this July with three titles. The film releases nationwide on August 27.

THE EXPERIENTIAL AGENCY: Chicago, has formed a partnership with N5R to expand into the $63 billion digital marketing industry. The Experiential Agency provides event marketing, design and production services. N5R, Toronto, provides integrated marketing campaigns including direct mail, e-mail, kiosks and others.

COST PLUS: Oakland, CA, named Theresa Strickland exec VP-merchandising and marketing for the 212-store home furnishings chain. She replaces senior VP-merchandising Steve Higgins, who resigned. Strickland had been exec VP-product development, design, visual and marketing for Syratech Corp. and has worked as a merchandising and marketing exec at Macy's West and Pottery Barn. Also, Patricia Juckett was promoted to senior VP. She had been director of advertising and marketing. Juckett reports to Strickland.

MARKETING MANAGEMENT ANALYTICS, INC.: Wilton, CT, has hired John Nardone as executive VP-product development and marketing and Ed See as executive VP-product development and technology.