News Briefs

APPLEBEE'S: Los Angeles, hired EastWest Creative, New York City, to negotiate with kids' properties for 2005 promotions backing the kids' menu for the 1,600-unit chain. EastWest has worked on Applebee's kids promos since 2001, forging partnerships with Discovery Kids, Lego and PBS properties.

NESTLÉ: plans to consolidate its U.S. media planning and buying with Zenith Optimedia.

CARLSON MARKETING GROUP: Minneapolis, named John Reynolds as VP-human resources for the relationship-marketing agency. He had been VP-human resources at sister company Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, and was VP-project management for Carlson Marketing Group before shifting to the hospitality division in 2001.

THE ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE: has renewed a contract with Sandbox.com to host and facilitate its free and paid fantasy football contests. Fans will be able to follow their fantasy players and obtain statistical updates during television broadcasts through fantasy line and game-score scrolls during each game. Other online AFL fantasy program enhancements include AFL news, message boards and e-mail updates including game previews and player and team analysis.