Broderbund Conducting Search for Chief Executive Officer; Douglas Carlston to Remain Chairman of the Board While Continuing to Direct Company's Expansion into On-Line Areas; Bill McDonagh to Remain President and Chief Operating Officer.

NOVATO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 1996--Broderbund Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:BROD) has started a search for appropriate candidates to fill the post of chief executive officer. Douglas Carlston, currently the firm's chairman and chief executive officer, will remain Chairman of the Board while continuing to identify and develop on-line business areas for Broderbund. Bill McDonagh, a 14-year Broderbund veteran, will continue in the role of president and chief operating officer.

Broderbund's management and board have opted to add to the software publisher's senior team to allow the firm to grow its core software business while expanding into on-line areas. Carlston, who founded the company in 1980 with his brother Gary and directed its expansion into productivity, education and entertainment software, will spend an increasing amount of his time identifying non-CD-ROM growth areas for the firm. Both McDonagh and Carlston will remain fully-involved with the company.

"There are extraordinary opportunities in the short term for companies like Broderbund to use our capabilities to grow new on-line service and product businesses that take advantage of increasing Internet use," said Carlston. "It is our goal to bring in a CEO to work with Bill and the rest of the management team in the growth of the overall company while allowing me more time to focus on expanding the business into new areas."

This addition to the management team continues an effort by Broderbund to prepare for future growth and increased competition. Over the past year, the firm has built up its senior management team with the additions of Jan Gullett, senior vice president of sales and marketing; Mike Shannahan, vice president and chief financial officer; Ken Hess, president of Broderbund's Banner Blue division; and Pat Walkington, vice president of educational sales and marketing.

Broderbund is a diversified consumer software company offering a broad selection of award-winning products for use in homes, schools and small businesses. Broderbund has a successful track record of identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends through the development of innovative software that takes advantage of the latest personal computer technologies. Broderbund's site on the worldwide web is located at http://www.broderbund.com.

CONTACTS: Broderbund Software, Novato

Eric Winkler, 415/382-4568 (corporate communications)

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Robin Linstrom, 415/382-4449 (investor relations)

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