LINCOLN AND PEPSI TO SERVE AS OFFICIAL SPONSORS FOR SEASON TWO OF "EMPIRE"

Hotly Anticipated Second Season Begins Wednesday, September 23, on FOX

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) and 20th Century Fox Television (TCFTV) today announced that The Lincoln Motor Company and Pepsi will serve as official sponsors of the second season of EMPIRE, broadcast television's biggest hit. The powerful family drama returns Wednesday, Sept. 23 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Lincoln returns to EMPIRE as its official automotive sponsor both on- and off-air, having served in the same capacity during its inaugural season. Lincoln's Season Two partnership includes in-show integrations and placements; and sponsorship of the EMPIRE Season Two Premiere Event.

The comprehensive sponsorship of EMPIRE by Pepsi includes in-show integrations; sponsorship of the EMPIRE Season Two Premiere Event; digital and social extensions throughout the season; and a multi-platform off-air marketing partnership. Pepsi is the official beverage sponsor of EMPIRE both on- and off-air.

"Lincoln has had a longstanding strong relationship with FOX, and we are delighted to be partnering with EMPIRE for a second season in a row. The momentum of the show is a great platform to communicate the new and exciting Lincoln product portfolio in a contextually relevant way," said Lee Jelenic, Lincoln Marketing Manager. "We are particularly excited to communicate our new class-exclusive Revel sound system on a show built around music."

"We're excited to be working with EMPIRE - the hottest show on television today," said Adam Harter, Vice President, PepsiCo Consumer Engagement. "At Pepsi, we're always looking to create new experiences that will impact pop culture. Our partnership with EMPIRE will allow us to reach and invite fans to have fun with us and their favorite TV show this season."

"EMPIRE continues to captivate viewers, music fans and the entire media industry, and we are thrilled to partner with our longstanding advertisers, Lincoln and Pepsi, for Season Two of the pop culture phenomenon," said Toby Byrne, President, Advertising Sales, Fox Networks Group. "FOX is committed to delivering the best viewer experience in television, and with the support of partners like Pepsi and Lincoln, we will once again present EMPIRE with a reduced commercial format as we did last season."

Having taken TV audiences by storm in its record-setting first season, EMPIRE returns for its second season Wednesday, Sept. 23 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), as the No. 1 series on broadcast television. From its jaw-dropping storylines to its chart-topping hip-hop soundtrack, EMPIRE instantly gained a legion of die-hard fans, creating a social media frenzy and making "Cookie" a household name. The series recently was nominated for three Emmy Awards, including one for Taraji P. Henson in the category of Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. EMPIRE will pick up three months after the shocking arrest and incarceration of Empire Entertainment head Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard). Knowing Lucious won't be held much longer in prison, Cookie (Henson) and her allies within the Lyon family make a desperate attempt to seize control of the company. But as the Lyons continue to battle each other, a bigger external threat emerges that could force them to unite.

EMPIRE is from Imagine Television in association with 20th Century Fox Television. The series is created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong. The pilot is written by Daniels and Strong. The series is executive-produced by Daniels, Strong, Brian Grazer, Ilene Chaiken ("The L Word") and Francie Calfo ("Those Who Kill," "Gang Related"). Daniels directed the pilot. "Like" EMPIRE on Facebook at facebook.com/EmpireFOX. Follow the series on Twitter @EmpireFOX and join the discussion using #Empire. See photos and videos on Instagram by following @EmpireFOX.

About The Lincoln Motor Company

The Lincoln Motor Company is the luxury automotive brand of Ford Motor Company, committed to creating compelling vehicles with an exceptional ownership experience to match. The Lincoln Motor Company is in the process of introducing four all-new vehicles through 2016. For more information about The Lincoln Motor Company, please visit www.media.lincoln.com or www.lincoln.com. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/Lincoln.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $66 billion in net revenue in 2014, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales. At the heart of PepsiCo is Performance with Purpose - our goal to deliver top-tier financial performance while creating sustainable growth and shareholder value. In practice, Performance with Purpose means providing a wide range of foods and beverages from treats to healthy eats; finding innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment and reduce our operating costs; providing a safe and inclusive workplace for our employees globally; and respecting, supporting and investing in the local communities where we operate. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.