Society of Broadcast Engineers - Present

Present

The SBE now has approximately 5,500 members that can be found in all 50 states, four U.S. territories and more than 25 other countries.

With 114 chapters located throughout the United States and one chapter located in Hong Kong, the SBE now commands a leadership position in the broadcast industry. Local SBE chapters provide services to members through meetings, technical seminars, certification examinations and fellowship. The SBE's first chapter was organized in Binghamton, N.Y., and it is still active today. Its newest chapter is in Hong Kong having been organized by local broadcast engineers in 2009.

The SBE Program of Certification, established in 1975, helps individuals improve their skills and gain recognition for those skills through a national testing program, which is the industry's most recognized evaluation service for broadcast engineers. The term engineer in the SBE does not include the necessity for an engineering degree for qualification at any certification level.

The SBE has been involved in developing a nationwide network of volunteer frequency coordinators. These volunteers help minimize interference to networks and other users of broadcast spectrum who need information about auxiliary broadcast frequencies.

The Society continually monitors regulatory issues and frequently files comments with the FCC and other federal and state agencies. In many cases, the SBE is the only organization representing the technical interests of broadcast engineers on regulatory issues.

Approximately 12 SBE chapters host regional conventions each year. Most of the events combine both technical seminars and an equipment exhibition. At these seminars, expert instructors provide training on a wide variety of technical and managerial topics. The conferences provide attendees with the opportunity to improve their skills as well as to examine the latest in technology. The SBE also offers a six-day intensive seminar on management for broadcast engineers.

The SBE has published a number of important books for use by broadcast engineers, technicians and operators. These include Introduction to DTV RF, SBE Guide to Writing Broadcast Station Operations Manuals, Radio Chief Operator's Handbook, SBE Certification Handbook for Radio Operators and Television Operator's Certification Handbook.

The national office of the Society of Broadcast Engineers is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A. There, a full-time staff provides membership, chapter certification and frequency coordination services and support.