2016 IEEE Broadcast Symposium (BTS 2016)

Broadcasting is a one-to-many communication service in which the transmissions are intended for direct reception by the general public or a target audience, which may include audio, video and/or data services. The field of interest of the IEEE Broadcast Technology Society (BTS) shall encompass devices, equipment, techniques, and systems related to broadcast technology, including the production, distribution, wired and wireless  transmission, propagation aspects and reception.

BTS began in 1912 with the formation of the Institute of Radio Engineers (IRE). The Audio Professional Group was formed on June 2, 1948, and the Broadcast Engineers Group was the second one to be approved on July 7,1948. The name was changed in August, 1949, to the IRE Professional Group on Broadcast Transmission Systems. The name was later changed to the IRE Professional Group on Broadcasting. It was structured much the same as the Broadcast Technology Society is today, with an Administrative Committee and Chapters in major cities.

The merger of the AIEE and the IRE was accomplished in January, 1963 to form the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). The Professional Group system was carried over to the new organization, and the broadcast activity was identified as the IEEE Professional Technical Group on Broadcasting, and later as the IEEE Group on Broadcasting. In 1976 the IEEE was organized into Societies, and broadcasting became a part of the IEEE Broadcast, Cable and Consumer Electronics Society.

To respond to the more complex society structure and increased business activities, the Society established an Executive Office in 2001.

BTS now has about 2,000 members and chapters worldwide, sponsors technical periodicals, provides support for technical meetings and has its own business office. The activities of the Society are governed by Constitution and Bylaws administered by an Administrative Committee (AdCom) consisting of officers, elected members and ex-officio members.