Spectral energy distribution and interstellar reddening

Recent results on flux distribution of Be stars from 320 to 850nm are reviewed. It appears that data are available for only 10 to 15 percent of the objects recognized as 'normal' Be stars. The main current problems appear to be the variability of the continuous radiation, and the correction for interstellar reddening. Various attempts to solve these matters are discussed. The need for fairly high (1nm) resolution spectral scans obtained simultaneously with data in other spectral ranges, repeated at appropriate intervals of time, is stressed. Such requirements make it necessary to restrict the observing programmes to a limited sample of carefully chosen objects.