J. Countryman Announces New Duties for Troy Johnson, Jack Countryman; Industry's Leading Gift Book Publisher Poised for Future Growth

Business Wire, Oct 5, 2004

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Thomas Nelson, Inc. (NYSE: TNM) today announced the promotion of Troy Johnson to Vice President and Publisher of J. Countryman, its gift book division. Jack Countryman's focus will shift to acquisitions, author relations and the development of new business opportunities in his new role as Founder and Publisher Emeritus. Troy Johnson will assume responsibility for the day to day operations and leadership of the division in his new role as Publisher.

J. Countryman, founded by Jack and Marsha Countryman in 1976, was acquired by Thomas Nelson Publishers in 1994. The company has dominated the CBA gift book market, as evidenced by their market share of more than 30%, which was released in August as identified from point of sale data collected from CBA retailers by Sales Tracking Analysis Trends Summary (STATS) for the previous rolling twelve months. Strong performances by several best selling titles have helped maintain J. Countryman's lead in this category.

Jack and Marsha Countryman's vision for the company has been the crucial ingredient in the imprint's success. Pete Nikolai, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher of the Specialty Publishing Group, stated, "It's incredible to see God's blessing transform a company built totally on faith. The company that began by a husband and wife team on their kitchen table has over the years grown and changed millions of lives through excellent products. Troy Johnson's stalwart leadership will enable the division to continue to prosper with focus on the unprecedented new partnerships with CBA and general market retailers to take the initial dream of Jack Countryman even further."

Jack Countryman credits Thomas Nelson with propelling the company forward. Countryman said, "The past ten years with Thomas Nelson has been a wonderful time of growth and development for J. Countryman. As both Marsha and I look to the future, we are excited about the opportunities that God will provide for us to be involved in providing quality gift books that will impact people in all walks of life. I have every confidence that Troy Johnson will lead the J. Countryman division with excellence in the years to come."

Troy Johnson has a diverse background and broad experience within the CBA industry beginning with DaySpring Cards in 1996, continuing as VP of Business Development for Koechel Peterson & Associates, Product Marketing Director for Honor Books and RiverOak Publishing, and joined J. Countryman as VP and Associate Publisher in October 2002. Johnson has been the force behind key business initiatives such as the best sellers I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe, Three Wooden Crosses by Randy Travis, and the acquisition of Dave Ramsey's The Money Answer Book.

Commenting on the transition, Johnson said, "To be a part of the ongoing success at Thomas Nelson Inc. through our publishing initiatives at J. Countryman is truly exciting. I have a lot of respect for Jack Countryman. What a foundation he has laid for our team as we continue to build on the established success of J. Countryman. I am honored to have this opportunity to continue the J. Countryman mission of touching and changing lives. "

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements (all statements other than those made solely with respect to historical fact) and the actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Any one or more of several risks and uncertainties could account for differences between the forward-looking statements that are made today and the actual results, including with respect to our sales, profits, liquidity and capital position. These factors include, but are not limited to: softness in the general retail environment or in the markets for our products, the timing and acceptance of products being introduced to the market, the level of product returns experienced, the level of margins achievable in the marketplace, the collectibility of accounts receivable, the recoupment of royalty advances, the effects of acquisitions or dispositions, the financial condition of our customers and suppliers, the realization of inventory values at carrying amounts, our access to capital, the outcome of any future Internal Revenue Service audits, and the realization of income tax and intangible assets. These conditions cannot be predicted reliably and the Company may adjust its strategy in light of changed conditions or new information. Thomas Nelson disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements.

Thomas Nelson, Inc. is a leading publisher and distributor of products emphasizing Christian, inspirational and family value themes and believes it is the largest publisher of Bibles and inspirational products. For more information, visit our website www.thomasnelson.com.

Thomas Nelson's Common stock and Class B Common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (TNM-NYSE).