Q&As

Southwest Airlines has found a new way to reward frequent fliers—video games.

Nielsen Co. and NetRatings Inc. have reached a merger agreement that’s expected to become finalized in the second quarter.

Youth Entertainment Systems Inc. (YES) reported it generated $1.9 million in gross sales during January — setting a new monthly record for this two-year-old direct response TV marketing firm.

Graduate students from 25 colleges and universities are expected to attend an intensive immersion seminar in direct marketing Feb. 8 to 10, conducted by the Direct Marketing Educational Foundation (DMEF).

Mercy Home has nestled a 116-page book within its most recent fundraising offer: Aside from the weight and heft of the package, there’s no indication that “No One to Call Me Home: The Heartbreaking Stories of America’s New Orphans” awaits recipients. The book carries a cut-out reply form with a $10/$25/$50/$100/other ask ladder. United States Plastic Corp. has sent out an even bigger book

Pepsi is extending the buzz from its sponsorship of the Super Bowl halftime show with a new promotion that gives away one car every day and $20 worth of gas every minute.

Frito-Lay has crowned five winners from the Super Bowl, all of them finalists in its Doritos ad contest.

Masterfoods is keeping fans snickering over its own Super Bowl spot.

Pizza Hut is building off its Super Bowl campaign with an interactive promotion that uses hidden text codes offering a chance to win a host of prizes.

Brady Corp., a safety and identification products giant, has acquired Clement Communications Inc. a $12 million direct marketer of safety-related posters and newsletters.