[Automotive] The line will be incorporated throughout a new campaign. A new minute-long spot is slated for the Academy Awards broadcast as well. It will be in striking contrast to the usual mid- to low-brow Super Bowl ad fare. "We didn't set out to create a Super Bowl ad," says a spokesperson. "It's not a funny spot; we think it's simple and emotional, that it delivers good, simple messages." ...Read the whole story

[Telecom] AT&T spokesperson Jenny Parker says that, while the agreement paves the way for an "even richer and more innovative online experience for consumers, it also reflects the changes in the marketplace where search, advertising and mobile have become increasingly important growth areas." ...Read the whole story

[Strategy] Some marketers really know how to make the most of the media spotlight. For one thing, stealth is a lousy strategy: The more marketers plug their ads in advance of the game, the better, in terms of generating pre- and post-game coverage. And that turns out to be true in both conventional media and on such social media sites as YouTube and MySpace. ...Read the whole story

[Retail] Wal-Mart aims to offer more ways for fans to "express their inner pop star," with approximately 140 unique "Hannah Montana" products. Marketing and advertising efforts to promote shirts, shoes, purses, belts, socks and other merchandise are planned to run through the fall and back-to-school season. ...Read the whole story

[Automotive] Auto dealers spent $7.3 billion on direct marketing campaigns in 2007. But, according to the Direct Marketing Association, that outlay resulted in $248.1 billion in sales. The group's first "Direct Marketing Facts and Figures in the Automotive Industry" report says that boils down to $9.68 return on investment for every dollar spent. ...Read the whole story