Reader's Digest Extends Long-Term Relationship With WorldCom

WorldCom Global Communications Solution Supports Publisher's Mission to
Inform, Enrich, Entertain, and Inspire

CLINTON, Miss. and PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. - January 27, 2003 - WorldCom, the leading global business data and Internet communications provider, today announced that it has renewed its extensive communications solution contract with The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., a global leader in publishing and direct marketing.

"Reader's Digest needs a global communications solution that will help it coordinate publishing operations globally in a cost effective manner," said Jeffrey Spar, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. "WorldCom's partner-like attitude, broad service offerings, and attentive account team deliver the communications tools and assurances Reader's Digest needs."

WorldCom will continue to provide Reader's Digest with a converged global communications solution that includes frame relay, ATM and Internet connections that provide the platform for Reader's Digest's corporate communications network. WorldCom's conferencing services help Reader's Digest conduct virtual meetings, helping the company to collaborate with its many remote offices while saving time and money on extensive travel. WorldCom also delivers to Reader's Digest a unique customized customer interaction solution. With this application, Reader's Digest is able to provide superior service while meeting the growing needs of customers by offering speech enabled self-service and using CTI (Computer Telephony Integration) technology to prioritize and deliver calls to their contact center based on call value.

"Helping customers do business more effectively is a number one priority at WorldCom," said Cindy Andreotti, WorldCom president of Business Markets. "WorldCom's integrated connectivity solution is designed to maximize Reader's Digest's return on investment for its global technology operations."

About The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.
The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. (NYSE: RDA, RDB) is a global publisher and direct marketer of products that inform, enrich, entertain and inspire people of all ages and cultures around the world. Revenues were $2.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002. Products include Reader's Digest magazine, the most widely read magazine in the world, published in 19 languages, 48 editions and more than 60 countries. Global headquarters are located at Pleasantville, New York. For more information, go to http://www.rd.com

About WorldCom, Inc.
WorldCom, Inc. (WCOEQ, MCWEQ) is a pre-eminent global communications provider for the digital generation, operating in more than 65 countries. With one of the most expansive, wholly-owned IP networks in the world, WorldCom provides innovative data and Internet services for businesses to communicate in today's market. In April 2002, WorldCom launched The Neighborhood built by MCI - the industry's first truly any-distance, all-inclusive local and long-distance offering to consumers. For more information, go to http://www.worldcom.com.