Indianapolis - Dec 7, 2009 - A group of broadcast engineers in Twin Falls, ID, have formed the newest chapter of the Society of Broadcast Engineers: SBE Chapter 145, Magic Valley.

SBE members in the Twin Falls area have met regularly since 1997. Currently with 11 SBE members, the group applied to form its own chapter. Chapter Chairman Thomas Lowther, CSRTE CBNT, submitted the SBE chapter application in November 2009, and the chapter was approved during an SBE Board of Directors meeting on Dec. 1, 2009.

Upon the affirmative vote by the Board to approve the chapter's charter, SBE President Vinny Lopez, CEV CBNT, said, "The strength of the SBE lies in the local chapters, and the efforts of our members in southern Idaho to form a new chapter provides a new opportunity for broadcast engineers to network and benefit from SBE membership."

Though chartered by the national organization, SBE chapters operate as independent sub-groups, electing their own officers and planning their own monthly programs.