Los Angeles - "American Idol" licensor FremantleMedia Enterprises said on Thursday that it has signed a deal to create an Idol-branded virtual world within Habbo.com, an online virtual world for teens that claims 3 million U.S. members. The agreement covers in-game merchandising and sponsorship for the American Idol brand, and will see Haboo introduce new virtual items and activities regularly as the TV season progresses.

Boston, MA - WeeWorld, a virtual world for kids, has entered into a strategic licensing agreement with FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) in North American and United Kingdom to develop new licensing products.

That’s what I’m talking about! Like nine million other Britons, the Hitwise UK office has been slightly obsessed with The Apprentice over the last few months. We were pleased to see peoples’ choice Lee McQueen crowned winner last night, although we do have sympathy for the runner up and favourite, Claire Young (I wonder if she’ll take up that job offer from Karen Brady?). In addition to the reverse pterodactyl and Clurr, our other favourites included thespian Raef (also the viewer’s favourite - ‘raef’ and ‘raef bjayou’ were the top contestant search terms sending traffic to the programme’s homepage over the last 4 weeks); Lady Lucinda Ribenaberet; Kevin, the only gay in the Italian restaurant; and of course Surallen himself. Naturally, we weren’t so keen of on the evil trinity of Alex, Michael and Jenny.

Montreal - Interactive entertainment developer Ludia said Monday it has signed a deal with FremantleMedia Enterprises, licensor for the "American Idol" TV show, to create online games based on the series. Montreal-based Ludia said its game, set to launch in conjunction with the show's 2009 season, will feature performance, online community and social networking components.

London - U.K. broadband service BT Vision on Wednesday announced the launch of a test of a new service that will offer users free online film rentals for watching targeting advertisements. The company partnered with Hiro Media, Intel and FremantleMedia Enterprises on the three-month trial at the BT Download Store, which will initially offer three films: "Mischief Night," "Played" and "The Punk Rock Movie." U.K. viewers will be asked to download free video software from Hiro Media, and also provide anonymous demographic information that will allow the software to dynamically target ads.

Montreal - Casual video game developer and publisher Ludia announced on Monday that it has signed an agreement with TV production company FremantleMedia, to develop games based on the TV game show "The Price is Right" for all major gaming platforms. Montreal-based Ludia said its first title will debut on several major downloadable PC game sites in December.

Atlanta - AT&T (Cingular) announced on Monday that it has renewed its wireless agreement with Fox and FremantleMedia for "American Idol." AT&T will now offer mobile entertainment including clips of audition videos, and Bad Audition ringtones to AT&T subscribers. Other features will include mobile chat, trivia and Live Idol Tones.