MasterCard and Legendary Program ''Soundstage'' Partner For Priceless Live Concert Experiences in 2008

MasterCard Worldwide today announced a new sponsorship of the renowned public television series "Soundstage,” beginning with the 2008 season. As the presenting sponsor, MasterCard will help deliver exclusive, live performances by some of the hottest musical acts in pop, rock, country, and R&B, to support the brand’s growing entertainment sponsorship platform. "With its original, one-of-a-kind shows, ‘Soundstage’ is the perfect partner to offer our customers ‘Priceless’ music performances,” said Deborah Hughes, Group Head, Global Sponsorships, MasterCard Worldwide. "As series sponsor of ‘Soundstage,’ MasterCard is providing our customer financial institutions with unique opportunities to deliver to our joint cardholders personal and authentic entertainment experiences.” The 2008 "Soundstage” season kicks off with a two-part Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 30th Anniversary Concert airing Jan. 10 and Jan. 17. Other upcoming concerts for the 2008 season include: Thursday, January 24 – Lifehouse Thursday, January 31 – Daughtry Thursday, February 7 – John Fogerty Thursday, February 14 – Matchbox Twenty Additional concerts in the series are expected to be announced in 2008. For more information including airing times on your local PBS station, visit www.pbs.org/soundstage. "Through its entertainment sponsorships, MasterCard has made a huge commitment towards helping further the art of popular music,” said Producer/Director Joe Thomas. "Our partnership allows us to continue presenting the highest quality in music television.” About "Soundstage” Debuting in 1974, "Soundstage” quickly earned critical acclaim by providing viewers a firsthand concert experience that they could enjoy at home. After an 18-year hiatus, the hour-long concerts returned to the public television lineup with a state of the art makeover. Upon its return, "Soundstage” reinvented itself using high definition video equipment; digital recording technology and Dolby 5.1 surround sound to bring the music of today’s most popular artists to homes across the country. Over the years, the innovative and prestigious program has achieved widespread critical acclaim and featured the artists that defined the era, including Dave Matthews Band, Robert Plant, All- American Rejects, John Mayer, Wilco, Sonic Youth, Sheryl Crow, Joss Stone, Fleetwood Mac, Alison Krauss, and others. "Soundstage” is produced by HD Ready, LLC and WTTW National Productions and is distributed nationally by PBS to more than 250 public television stations. About MasterCard Worldwide MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 16 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial institution customers and merchants. Through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to http://www.mastercard.com.