Oct 2, 2006 6:00 AM, PROMO Xtra

ESPN: will cease its Mobile ESPN MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) operations later this year, but remains committed to growing its presence in the wireless industry through licensing its Mobile ESPN application to existing service providers, the entertainment company said. Mobile ESPN's wireless voice and data services, including the Mobile ESPN sports content, will remain active for current customers until at least Dec. 31. Sales of Mobile ESPN handsets and service plans have been discontinued. However, the company will continue operating its Mobile ESPN Publishing business.

THE HISTORY CHANNEL: and Invent Now, a division of National Investor Hall of Fame Foundation, are rolling out the second annual Modern Marvels Invent Challenge, which challenges would-be inventors to submit invention ideas online at History.com/invent. The challenge is named after The History Channel series, Modern Marvels, which celebrates consumer inventions and ingenuity. Last year, The History Channel received 4,500 submissions from inventors. The winner, David R. Ward, won for his invention of the Strawjet, a process that involves creating building material from the renewable material straw. The deadline to enter the latest contest is Nov. 20. Print ads, online materials and TV spots support.

MASTERCARD WORLDWIDE: has extended its relationship with Major League Baseball (MLB) and MLB.com through 2010. The agreement includes exclusive category rights granted by MLB Properties, MLB International and MLB Advanced Media. As part of the agreement, MasterCard will make media commitments to regular season and events such as MLB's All-Star Week. MasterCard has been an official sponsor and the preferred card of MLB Properties since 1997 and MLB Advanced Media since 2001. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

DON'T MISS AN ISSUE! PROMO Magazine provides insights into using promotion marketing as strategic, measurable component of an overall marketing mix. DON'T MISS OUT on "how-to" information on strategies and tactics successful marketers use to improve product sales and brand image. Renew your subscription Subscribe to the magazine Sign up for email newsletters

A panel of professionals answers your questions. Submit your questions.
		Michael McKelvie Gift Cards and Reward Cards
		Bob Bell Tie-in Partnerships
		Dave Hunt Rebates
		Bruce Hollander Sweepstakes
		Joel Parent Interactive
		Become an Expert More Info