Broadcast Electronics designs and manufactures a complete line of radio broadcast products, including transmitters for AM, FM and HD Radio & TV and Media Software, Automation and Metadata Management Software systems.
One of the largest broadcast equipment manufacturer in the United States, BE is a global company that has influenced every major radio milestone since 1959.
BE products are used daily in thousands of broadcast facilities on every major continent throughout the world.
Our vertical solutions expertise helps worldwide Radio and TV stations aiming to broadcast with the best quality and with highly professional equipment.
We have a proven process to help you move your business forward and we’re with you every step of the way.
BE is a 67-year-old company located in Quincy, Illinois, where radio & TV technology has been a family business for generations. Every major innovation that shaped modern radio originated in Quincy, and it is here that BE products are designed, supported and manufactured today.
Our facility in Quincy employs the latest instruments for research, new product design, prototype fabrication and testing.
We take advantage of the best practices of automated production, adding human attention to detail to ensure every product that leaves our factory meets or exceeds its published specifications.
All BE products are made from the highest grade materials by skilled workers, including some who have been with the company for more than 30 years.
BE’s dedication to the operation and business of radio and TV is notable and sincere. It is represented in our people, our processes and our products to earn the confidence of broadcasters worldwide.
BE’s sales team and international network of local representatives are among the most knowledgeable in the broadcast industry to guide BE customers through any technology transition, whether for studio or RF related products.
BE founded in Silver Spring, Maryland; first products are endless-loop tape cartridge machines for broadcast of audio content. In 1965 BE introduces the first multi-deck tape cartridge machine, Model 605/610. In 1970 product offerings expand to include mixing consoles, turntables and other essential radio studio products. In 1977 company relocates to Quincy, Illinois. In 1978 BE introduced a pioneering radio automation system, the Control 16, a microprocessor-based program control systems utilizing tape cartridge and open reel tape hardware.
In 1979 First range FM exciters and transmitters receives accolades for providing new standards of reliability and performance. In 1989 AudioVAULT, a computer-based radio automation system, with audio content on hard drives leads the digital conversion of radio studio operations. In 1990 BE begins delivery of AM transmitter.
In 1994 BE acquires Marti Electronics, maker of radio studio-to-transmitter interconnect and wireless remote broadcast equipment with powerful brand. In the same year BE introduces C Series FM Transmitters, BE’s solid state FM transmitter line that set the standards for audio quality, cost-efficiency, reliability and long life. In 1995 BE completes phase-out of analog studio products to focus on computer-assisted audio and data content creation and management. In 1997 BE introduces T Series FM Transmitters, providing single-tube TPOs up to 35 kW. In 1999 BE introduces S Series FM Transmitters, increasing BE’s FM solid state coverage up to 20 kW, or higher with dual-combined systems
In 2003 BE is the first company to market with HD Radio products, setting the technology and performance standards upon which other HD Radio products are judged. In 2005 BE acquires The Radio Experience, developer of hardware, software and services for creation, management and broadcast via analog FM, HD Radio and webcasting. In 2009 BE celebrates 50 years and introduced a new low power line of FM transmitters, the STX LP, with breakthrough size and design. In the same year BE announces the upgrade to ISO 9001:2008
In 2011 BE acquires assets of small start-up company and forms Commotion, a company specializing in social media and audience interactivity tools for radio. During the following years BE announces some new products: in 2011 the XPi 10 esp Embedded Exporter. In 2012 the STX LP Generation II 1-5kW FM Transmitters. In 2013 the STXe Series of Exciters / Low Power Transmitters. In 2013 the FM 40T 40kW FM Tube Transmitter. In 2014 BE celebrates 55 years of Radio Equipment Manufacturing Excellence and in 2015 announces STX 10 10kW FM Transmitter.
In 2017 BE is purchased by Elenos S.R.L. and BE enters the TV transmitter market with the introduction of the Genesis line of VHF & UHF analog and digital TV transmitters. 2019 celebrates its 60 years of Radio Equipment Manufacturing Excellence with the launch of the STX20 20 KW solid state FM transmitters. 2020 AudioVAULT is selected for wide area and cloud-based audio automation and media management by the US American Forces Network for a global deployment. 2023 BE continues innovation in the STX line of FM transmitters with the STXe3 and STXe5 compact units and launches AudioVAULT11 software platform. 2024 BE brings lower energy costs to all BE AM transmitters with the launch of MDCL+ , and enables new revenue streams for broadcasters with cloud bases TRE+ taking the market leading The Radio Experience platform to the next level. The new ETX company cost effective FM transmitter with integrated StereoTool audio processing and micro MPX IP STL ships. 2025 BE introduced the new upgraded web-based control system for AM transmitters with ECU plus monitor and control system standard on all new, and upgraded on all existing BE AM transmitters.
2026 BE has been acquired by a new ownership group led by CEO Rich Redmond, as well as majority investor The Alzana Group, LLC lead by John Danner, Founder and Chairman and former Chairman of GatesAir (2017-2022), of Boston, MA returning BE to US based owership. Investment will enable Broadcast Electronics to drive significant innovation into the broadcast hardware and software markets.
The company will continue to operate as Broadcast Electronics, but under a new legal entity named BE Systems, Inc.
