Short Cuts

Nelnet Inc. of Lincoln, NE plans to open its 15th student loan origination call center in April 2005, at a site yet to be selected in Texas. The financial services firm plans to open a Spanish-speaking division later next year at the new center in Texas. Nelnet writes more than $3 billion in student loans annually and services nearly $50 billion in student loans for other lenders.

Cedar Knolls, NJ-based MediaBay Inc. plans to launch a continuity program in the first quarter, Larry King’s Online Audiobook and Entertainment Club. It will feature downloadable products from HarperCollins Publishers.

The Christian Appalachian Project, a Hager Hill, KY-based charity, has renewed its direct marketing services contract with Merkle Direct Marketing Inc., after reviewing proposals from three other agencies. Terms were not disclosed.