Individuals who did not have the opportunity to attend BronxNet's 2012 BETA (Bronx Excellence in Television Access) Awards will be able to experience the event on BronxNet's channels and website.

During the event, Hip-Hop Legend Grandmaster Mele Mel encouraged the audience to vote via a public service announcement and an original song on the "Power of the Voice," as months of mystery ended for some Bronx producers who discovered they were winners of BETA Awards in specific categories.

Nicole Johnson, Emmy-Award winning journalist and native New Yorker, began her journalism career as an editorial writer for, The Orlando Sentinel, in Florida where she attended Rollins College. Nicole's debut on air was at Bronx Net and News 12 throughout the tri-state area. In pursuit of her TV news goals, Nicole held a variety of positions at WPIX-11, but was most well-known for her position as the Assignment Desk Editor. On September 11th, 2001 Nicole was the voice of grace when New York City was under attack. She not only handled all the assignments that day, but by afternoon Nicole was sent to Ground Zero where she stayed for several days.

In 2002, Nicole moved to Rochester, NY as a General Assignment Reporter for WROC TV. Eventually she returned to New York City where she landed at NY-1 News. Nicole is an extremely hard worker and always strives to go to the next level. Therefore, in less than a year she became a General Assignment Reporter at MY 9 News.

Check out world famous flautist Wouter Kellerman and his band take the music Mondays stage for a special performance on BronxNet's OPEN. Kellerman is a "South African Music Award" winner who has performed in front of an audience of 700 million during the closing ceremonies of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He and his band will take the stage tonight, August 6th at Summer Stage from 6:00pm to 9:00pm tonight at 18 Mount Morris Park West in Harlem. He is also performing at Joe's Pub NYC on August 7th from 7:30pm to 8:40pm. Joe's Pub NYC is located at 425 Lafayette Street in New York City.

For more information on Wouter Kellerman, please visit: wouterkellerman.net

The Bronx recently welcomed home some world-famous Bronx natives at the Bronx Borough President’s annual celebration, The Bronx Ball, part of Bronx Week.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and hundreds of his guests shared a festive evening where they congratulated: Hip-Hop Legend Fat Joe; Jazz Musician and Educator Valerie Capers; Hollywood Cinematographer Sol Negrin; and Model Tyson Beckford. Many Bronx natives are gifted with skills they share with the borough and the world, and that along with community events are highlighted during Bronx week.

Whether or not you were able to attend the Bronx Ball, you can experience the entire event on BronxNet. The program may be seen on BronxNet Channel 67 on Cablevision and BronxNet Channel 33 on Verizon FiOS as follows:

• Sun, July 29 at 2:00 pm
• Tues, July 31 at 11:00 am
• Wed, Aug 1 at 8:00 pm
• Fri, Aug 3 at 7:00 pm
• Sun, Aug 5 at 1:00 pm
• Thurs, Aug 9 at 6:00 pm
• Mon, Aug 13 at 11:00 am

"Enjoy the latest edition of OPEN dedicated to the memory of Hal Jackson, a true pioneer and innovator in the broadcasting industry.

Born in November of 1914, Mr. Jackson began his rich career as the first African-American radio sports announcer for local Negro league baseball. He also became the first African American host in Washington.

In 1971, he and Percy Sutton acquired WLIB, which became the first African American radio station in New York. He broke color barriers virtually everywhere he went, and was recognized in 1990 with another first. He became the first minority inducted into the National Association of Broadcaster's Hall of Fame.

On April 4, 2012, the gates of the Andrew Freedman Home opened to the public. The Home was once built to be a haven, a paradise, for the rich elderly who had lost their fortunes.

Referencing this dreamy history, This Side of Paradise references the past and reconnects the vision of Andrew Freedman to today’s Bronx and its realities. The exhibition and its extensive public programming onsite and offsite draws together the economic and social history of the Home with the present day realities of the Bronx and its residents.

Thanks to the organization No Longer Empty (NLE), a grand building on the Grand Concourse is playing host to an art exhibit that presents the economic and social history of the Andrew Freedman Home, contrasted against the Bronx as it is today. Years ago, the Andrew Freedman Home served as a posh residence for wealthy elderly people who lost their fortune.

High school students recently got the opportunity to interview world-renowned Cuban Pianist Dayramir Gonzalez on their very own TV program, OPEN 2.0. The talented musician also sat down with BronxNet Show Host Ramon Rodriguez to share information about his life and work on the new international BronxNet program, OPEN World.

Fathers play a crucial role in their children’s development and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. emphasized and encouraged fathers to stay involved, as he led a discussion featuring expert panelists. BronxNet captured the entire discussion for cablecast on your channels.

The inspirational and informative discussion included participants: Noted Psychologist, Author and Talk Show Host Dr. Jeff Gardere; Eagle Academy President David Banks; FACE/NYC Department of Education Executive Director Jesse Mojica; Bronx Legal Services Attorney Nelson Mar; Social Work Director Roger Ball; and NYC HRA Office of Child Support/Enforcement Representative Jeneen Johnson. The experts talked about how fathers can make a difference in their children’s education, personal growth, lifetime success and more.

The 2nd Annual Bronx Week Film Festival showcased over a dozen of short films and documentaries made by Bronx Filmmakers. The event celebrated the local film industry and drew a big crowd of Bronx writers, directors and producers.