Live from the Bronx

Beyond the crime-filled news reports, one local television station and its always-animated director are determined to show the world the Bronx they know and love.

Photos by Emon Hassan

“These people were visiting from France, and they told me, ‘Oh, we have a saying in Europe: ‘C’est le Bronx,’ which is slang for ‘it’s messed up,’” says Michael Max Knobbe. As far away as France, it seems, the Bronx has become a symbol of urban decay and, at least by some, is used to refer to any dangerous place. “Well, no! It’s not, ‘c’est le Bronx, quel dommage’ (what a shame),” says Knobbe. “It’s ‘c’est le Bronx, vive le Bronx!’ We are proud!”

The executive director of BronxNet, a local, non-profit television network based out of Lehman College, Knobbe has dedicated his life to battling the perception that the Bronx is a synonym for “fucked up.”

When he talks about the Bronx, the borough in which he was born and loves with an old-fashioned fervor, he does so with a theatrical, gesticulating gusto. The decibel and clip at which he speaks ascends suddenly during fits of excitement. When he introduces you to a friend or local figure of significance, you may feel lik…