CJ Radio announces today that it completed the first round of grants under its new Community recording Initiative. Recipients in the Heartland area Include the Neepawa and Area Collegiate Institute, Minnedosa Collegiate and the Neepawa Public Library. Each year, CJ Radio expends a portion of advertising Revenue to support efforts that produce local talent for broadcast. In addition to supporting the national FACTOR initiative of Canada's private radio stations, CJ Radio Supports additional local initiatives. This is the first year of the Community recording Initiative. Under the reprogram, recording equipment, accessories and supplies are provided free of charge to theta community. The equip is then used to record concerts, performances and documentary style material. Those who record the material can then submit it fir airing on CJ 97 FM. Bill Gade, General Manager of CJ Radio made the presentation of equipment to local groups. Mr.Gade commented on the program saying "CJ Radio is proud to support local artists through our community recording program. By supplying equipment to schools and public libraries, we ensure that those who can make the best of it can easily obtain access to expensive equipment. In many cases the cost of such equipment can limit someone's ability to share their gift. With equipment available for use on a loaner basis we remove this barrier to our listeners enjoying local artists." The equipment provided under this year's Community recording Initiative exceeds $6,000 in value. The equipment is permanently gifted to the organizations who make it available for use. Members of the public who wish to us e the recording equipment are urged to contact the Neepawa Public Library to make arrangements for borrowing the system. Once recorded, Library and Radio staff will be available to ensure that the material is edited for broadcast. Gade also noted phase two of the program is about to launch. " This year we will be making a compilation CD of talent from across Manitoba. We encourage any local artist who wants to have their work published on a CD to get in touch with our radio station - we would be glad to include them and provide province wide exposure." CJ Radio Operates a network of radio stations throughout Manitoba including CJ 97 FM in Neepawa with coverage to Gladstone, Carberry, MInnedosa, Brandon, and beyond. CJ radio is Manitoba's fastest growing broadcaster. The Neepawa Public Library is located at 280 davidson Street and can be reached at 204-476-5648.