EXHIBIT 99.1


THE READER'S DIGEST ASSOCIATION, INC.
Media: William Adler, (914) 244-7585  william.adler@rd.com
Investor Relations: Richard Clark, (914) 244-5425  richard.clark@rd.com


              READER'S DIGEST ASSOCIATION RESTRUCTURES FINANCING TO
                 LOWER INTEREST EXPENSE AND IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY

     PLEASANTVILLE, NY, April 14, 2005 - The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.
(NYSE: RDA) today agreed to a new five-year, $400 million revolving credit
facility, which was used to retire all of RDA's outstanding term loans as well
as its previous revolver borrowings. The new facility provides for lower
interest rates and, unlike the prior credit agreements, does not contain certain
covenants that limit the company's ability to increase dividends, buy back
shares or make acquisitions.
     The company expects that the new revolver will lower interest expense by $2
million in Fiscal 2006. The credit facility calls for future debt pricing
spreads to be based on the company's leverage ratio (debt-to-EBITDA) rather than
on credit ratings, as was the case with the previous credit agreements. This
will enable the company to continue to reduce its interest expense as it pays
down debt.
     "This is an important milestone on our path to a strong financial future,"
said Thomas O. Ryder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Our new financing
lowers interest rates while at the same time giving us greater flexibility. We
appreciate our lenders' acknowledgement of our improved creditworthiness and
their confidence in providing many of the terms that would be appropriate for
companies with investment-grade credit ratings."
     As of December 31, 2004, the company had reduced its debt to $596 million.
This was in the form of $296 million in term loans and $300 million in senior
notes. The company also had a $192.5 million revolver that was used for seasonal
borrowing needs. This revolver was priced at LIBOR plus 300 basis points. The
term loans were priced at LIBOR plus 200 basis points. Pricing for the new
financing, which is based on a leverage grid, is currently LIBOR plus 125 basis
points.
     "This five-year agreement will adapt as our company progresses, regardless
of credit ratings," said Michael Geltzeiler, Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial





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Officer. "The terms improve as we continue to pay down debt, and we will have
greater freedom to use our cash to grow our business and drive shareholder
value."
     The new revolver was arranged by J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and RBS
Securities Corporation and involved participation by 11 different banks.
     The $300 million in senior notes and their covenants remain in place and
unchanged.
     The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. is a global publisher and direct
marketer of products that inform, enrich, entertain and inspire people of all
ages and cultures around the world. The company had revenues of $2.4 billion for
the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. The company's main Web site is www.rd.com.
     This release may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements
inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future
results and occurrences to differ materially from the forward-looking
statements. The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.'s filings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, including its reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K,
contain a discussion of additional factors that could affect future results and
occurrences. Reader's Digest does not undertake to update any forward-looking
statements.


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