PBS Western Reserve presents a collection of stories that are singularly focused on the region that we all call home. Explore the people, places, history and events that make Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania so special.
About Our Region — December 2025
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Presented by PBS Western Reserve
Forum 360
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
First Monday of every month at 5 PM and 5:30 PM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Mondays at 7:30 PM
Saturdays at 5 PM
This public affairs series provides a local viewpoint on global topics. Subjects covered are both educational and entertaining, and are hosted by a Northeast Ohio community member who assists in determining the show’s content.
10TH SEASON!
A PBS Western Reserve Production
Around Akron with Blue Green
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 4:30 AM & 4 PM
This monthly half-hour shines a spotlight on all of the good things that Akron has to offer. Each show consists of four stories, including segments on dining, arts and culture, history, business, and movers and shakers.
See what’s new and exciting in Akron on PBS Western Reserve’s legacy series AROUND AKRON WITH BLUE GREEN, now in its 10th season.
A PBS Western Reserve Production
Feed Our Region
PBS WESTERN RESERVE (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 8 PM
Thursday, Dec. 4, at midnight & 9:30 PM
Saturday, Dec. 6, at 1:30 AM & 10 AM
The work of four regional food banks is highlighted including Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Mercer County Food Bank, Second Harvest Foodbank of the Mahoning Valley, and Wooster Hope Center. Plus, an opportunity to make a difference for neighbors in need throughout the holiday season.
Give now by calling 1-800-672-4549 or donate online.
Presented by PBS Western Reserve
Icon in the Sky: 100 Years of the Goodyear Blimp
PBS WESTERN RESERVE (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Live premiere on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 8 PM
Friday, Dec. 5, at midnight and 8:30 PM
Saturday, Dec. 6, at 2 PM
Monday, Dec. 7, at 1 AM and 7 PM
Learn the century-long history of an aerial legend. ICON IN THE SKY: 100 YEARS OF THE GOODYEAR BLIMP tells the story of the famous airship through the eyes of its dedicated crew and devoted fans. This heartfelt documentary captures the profound nostalgia and wonder the beloved airship inspires across the globe.
Features a once-in-a-lifetime chance to win a ride on the Goodyear Blimp! Find out more.
Presented by PBS Western Reserve and Akron Children’s
More Childhood, Please
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 8 PM
Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 1 AM
Saturday, Dec. 13, at 1 PM
Saturday, Dec. 20, at 1 PM
Saturday, Dec. 27, at 1 PM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Thursday, Dec. 11, at 8 PM
Monday, Dec. 15, at 8 PM
Created and produced for kids (and parents), MORE CHILDHOOD, PLEASE is a series that blends aspects of reality TV, video challenges and helpful information from experts at Akron Children’s. Watch as kids and families tackle tricky topics like screens and screen time, emotions, the outdoor world and sports.
Presented by PBS Western Reserve
The Chardon Polka Band's Holiday Extravaganza
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 9 PM
Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 2 AM
Thursday, Dec. 25, at 5 PM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Thursday, Dec. 11, at 9 PM
The Chardon Polka Band’s holiday special delivers hometown holiday charm and the band’s signature wit and humor. Enjoy the “polka-fied” Christmas carols that have made The Chardon Polka Band a Northeast Ohio holiday staple. Nothing delivers holiday cheer better than a banjo, accordion, saxophone and tuba! Enjoy a Chardon Polka Band holiday extravaganza, featuring a variety of special guests.
Presented by PBS Western Reserve
Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Park: A New Beginning
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Friday, Dec. 12, at 8:30 PM
Saturday, Dec. 13, at 1:30 AM & 6:30 PM
Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 PM
Thursday, Dec. 18, at 4:30 PM
Monday, Dec. 22, at 3:30 AM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturday, Dec. 20, at 4:30 PM
Discover the inspiring story of a community that came together to better their neighborhood for their kids. This documentary follows the construction of the original playground built by volunteers at Coventry Elementary School in Cleveland Heights in 1993. Today, Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Park is newly renovated and home to the Coventry Library.
Presented by PBS Western Reserve and The Summit FM
Studio C Sessions
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Saturdays at 10:30 PM
Sundays at 2:30 AM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Sundays at 8 PM
Enjoy live performances that capture artists and audiences connecting in the closest of confines. To experience these unique concerts live, you have to be a member of The Summit FM, a public radio station serving Akron, Canton and Youngstown. This series allows you to watch these intimate music moments on PBS Western Reserve.
Great Lakes Now
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Sundays at 11 AM
Through a regional magazine-style television program and daily online reports at GreatLakesNow.org, GREAT LAKES NOW covers the environmental, recreational, cultural, and economic issues of the lakes and the communities that depend on them.
A PBS Western Reserve Production
City Centric
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3:30 PM
PBS Western Reserve presents an inspiring series highlighting passionate individuals who reflect the fabric of their cities. Each city’s episode reveals the stories of six trailblazers who define the essence of their community and possess unique roles including business leader, revitalizer, artist, humanitarian, historian, educator and visionary.
“Wooster” Discover a welcoming community with a grassroots mentality.
A PBS Western Reserve Production in collaboration with Akron 200
Akron 200: Forgotten History Forum Series
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Thursday, Dec. 18, at 6 PM
AKRON 200: FORGOTTEN HISTORY FORUM SERIES explores lesser-known chapters of Akron's history, from urban renewal and the story of deaf rubber workers to the local history of the African American church and much more. Presented in collaboration with the city’s bicentennial commission, the series is more than expert lectures, it is an invitation to foster dialogue that shines a light on the influential and at times challenging corners of Akron’s 200-year lifespan.
This episode: The Research & Legacy of Dr. Shirla R. McClain
Presented by PBS Western Reserve
Polka Christmas with The Chardon Polka Band
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Friday, Dec. 19, at 8:30 PM
Saturday, Dec. 20, at 6:30 PM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Sunday, Dec. 21, at 7:30 PM
The Chardon Polka Band takes you on an unforgettable holiday musical journey.
Nick Cave, Summit Lake: Heard
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturday, Dec. 20, at 4 PM
The production “Heard” by internationally renowned artist Nick Cave featured performers wearing Cave’s colorful horse-shaped raffia “soundsuits.” When it came to Akron, Ohio, it included a performance at a nearby inner-city community center, where residents were part of the performance. The project coincided with redevelopment efforts in the community orchestrated by the residents themselves.
Presented by PBS Western Reserve
The World According to Polka
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 11 PM-1 AM
Cleveland’s Chardon Polka Band takes you on the road to teach you about the rich history and lively culture surrounding polka. There will be friends, laughter, food and a whole lot of polka performances. From chowing down on a “Sasquatch burger” and making pierogies to rocking out with Akron guitarist Michael Weber, the band’s antics offer an informative tour of Northeast Ohio and beyond.
Presented by PBS Western Reserve, Ideastream Public Media and the
University of Akron’s Media Studies program
Akron Roundtable
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Thursday, Nov. 27, at 6 PM
Since 1976, the Akron Roundtable has brought new ideas to Akron. Now, PBS Western Reserve, Ideastream Public Media and the University of Akron’s Media Studies program are partnering with the Akron Roundtable to bring those ideas to our region at large. The Akron Roundtable’s signature series delivers thought-provoking presentations on a wide range of topics from speakers of global, national and regional importance.
