Television giant Cablevision and local public access network BronxNet finally came to a contract agreement this week after months of negotiations, two years after a previous deal expired.Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.’s office sent out a press release on Monday announcing the agreement, which he helped broker and which will result in extra funding for BronxNet to update it’s technology (federal law require that cable companies provide support for local public channels).”This agreement gives BronxNet the tools to greatly expand their ability to serve our borough while also showcasing Cablevision’s commitment to serving the people of the Bronx as a good corporate citizen,” Diaz said in a statement “This new agreement is a victory for all involved.”BronxNet runs out of facilities on the Lehman College campus and broadcasts programs like “BronxTalk,” Gary Axelbank’s weekly talk show “BronxTalk,” and the local food-focused “Bronx Flavor,” among others. The station plans to make some technological upgrades, like moving to high-definition broadcasts, and, according to the Daily News, open a second production studio somewhere in the South Bronx or further east in the borough.”The Bronx deserves up to date studios with accessible community programming, and BronxNet will be able to continue to provide that,” BronxNet chairman Paul Gentile said. “This agreement with Cablevision is fair and will allow us to move forward.”
