LANSING - Legislation awaiting House action would give colleges and universities money to improve their broadcast stations.

The proposal, sponsored by Sen. Shirley Johnson, R-Troy, would allow State Building Authority (SBA) bonds to be used to buy equipment for public college and university broadcast stations.

Dominic Pollone, a secretary for Johnson, said the legislation wouldn't cost the building authority anything and would allow bonds to be used by colleges and universities to pay for the equipment.

He said universities would have to pay back 75 percent of the total cost and community colleges 50 percent.

There's no mandate saying SBA bonds have to be used to fund the projects, but the legislation would provide the option, Pollone said.

At WGVU-TV, Grand Valley State University's public station, General Manager Michael Walenta said the bonds would help pay for technology used to connect with other public stations across the state.

Currently, no network links public broadcast stations in Michigan, and the only way they can share content is via satellite or mail, he said.

"Just for the safety and welfare of the state, it would be helpful to share information in real time," Walenta said.

Walenta said if there is a disaster or large media event, many satellites would be unavailable. This would make it difficult for public stations to share information.

"If there are crises, renting satellite time would be inefficient," he said.

Karole White, executive director of the Michigan Association of Public Broadcasters, said the proposal would assist noncommercial stations in serving their communities.

"They serve a special need that is of value, and that is an area we may not get otherwise," White said.

Many stations air shows unavailable on commercial stations, and being able to upgrade equipment would let them continue offering such content.

With the Federal Communications Commission requiring all stations to use digital signals by 2009, White said, stations would also be able to use the bonds to upgrade their equipment.

"With the whole nation going digital, we want all media delivering digital formatting," she said.

Christine Cronauer, coordinator of broadcast services at Oakland University, said the legislation would mean good things for college radio.

Equipment at her radio station - WXOU-FM - is on its last leg, she said. Using bond money would help pay for replacements.

"We're far behind the technological advancements of commercial radio entities, and as a result cannot provide adequate experience to students hoping to penetrate the broadcast employment field once they graduate," Cronauer said.

Oakland attempts to upgrade equipment, but the process is slow and costly, she said.

"Each year WXOU has purchased some equipment to modernize the studios, but it's such a slow process we will always remain behind," she said.

The Senate has approved the proposal.

Other noncommercial stations that would benefit from the legislation include those at Central Michigan University, Delta College, Michigan State University, Northern Michigan University, the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University.