BronxNet is debuting a new show called ‘The Bronx Now’ on Monday, April 3 which will bring the Bronx business community into the spotlight.
The Bronx Now will feature host Joe Kelleher, president of Simone Metro Properties, and introduce owners of both small and large business in the Bronx.
“The Bronx is now a symbol of urban renewal in many ways,” said Michael Max Knobbe, executive director of BronxNet. “There’s so much opportunity and people have come together to build a very liveable and wonderful community that’s evolving.”
“What we wanted to show was that community,” said Knobbe.
Kelleher and his guests will tape their episodes in the BronxNet East studio at Mercy College in the Hutchinson Metro Center.
However, they will also travel to different areas of the Bronx to visit business and learn more about Bronx culture.
“We are extremely happy to present this program highlighting the people, places and businesses that make the Bronx such a special place,” said Kelleher.
In addition to informing Bronx residents about the business in their borough, the show will also teach its viewers tips for better business.
“We have a young borough and we have future business leaders now who are hungry for knowledge,” said Knobbe. “And we have great [business owners] across vectors that can educate and really present what’s here [in the Bronx] and what we have to offer.”
Knobbe is hoping this show discourages the unsavory assumptions that some people may have about the Bronx.
“This is just another way that we at BronxNet work together to defy the negative stereotypes, instill community pride and inspire,” he said.
Kelleher shared Knobbe’s sentiments, hoping the show will attract people who are thinking about doing business and living in the Bronx.
“Hopefully this new series will help shine a spotlight on the New Bronx, shed light on the borough’s great institutions, businesses and people, and help promote the Bronx as a wonderful place to live, work and visit,” said Kelleher, vice chairman of the Westchester Square Business Improvement District.
The show’s first episode will focus on Westchester Square, visiting historic sites such as the Huntington Free Library and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.
In addition, viewers will get the chance to meet local business owners in the area.
“Something like this brings out what we’ve always looked for – recognition and curiosity about what’s here and why people are here,” said Lisa Sorin, executive director of the Westchester Square BID.
The Bronx Now will not only focus on business. Viewers will also get the chance to visit various Bronx neighborhoods, hear discussions on health care facilities and health care access, and learn about different educational institutions and opportunities.
New episodes will debut on the first Monday of each month at 8 p.m. on Channel 67 on Optimum and Channel 33 on Fios.
From there viewers can catch repeat episodes each Monday at 6:30 p.m. and 1 p.m., Tuesdays at 8 p.m., Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., Saturdays at 9 a.m., 4 p.m. and 11 p.m., and Sundays at 11:30 a.m.
BronxNet will host a launch party for The Bronx Now on Monday. April 3 at 6 p.m. at the Residence Inn by Marriott at the Metro Center Atrium at 1776 Eastchester Road.
