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 — May 2026
Published on
NEW SEASON!
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 (preempted May 30)
Sundays at 2:30 AM (preempted May 31)
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Sundays at 8 PM
In Akron, Ohio, the birthplace of rock legends The Black Keys, Chrissie Hynde, and DEVO, a new chapter of musical excellence unfolds. STUDIO C SESSIONS are 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, Youngstown, and Athens. PBS Western Reserve and The Summit FM have teamed up to share highlights of these intimate music moments on PBS Western Reserve.
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.
A PBS Western Reserve Production
Around Akron with Blue Green
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Saturday, May 16, at 1 PM
Sunday, May 17, at 1:30 PM
Monday, May 18, at 5:30 AM
Saturday, May 16, at 2:30 PM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Sunday, May 17, at 7:30 PM
Friday, May 22, at 10:30 PM
Sunday, May 24, at 3:30 PM
Saturday, May 30, at 2:30 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.
After Ike — A Journey That Changed America
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Sunday, May 17, at 2 PM
Saturday, May 23, at 1 PM
A century after the 1919 Transcontinental Military Convoy battled 3, 251 miles along the Lincoln Highway, this documentary retraces the grueling journey that shaped Dwight D. Eisenhower and the nation. Through resilience, innovation, and 62 days of obstacles, the expedition sparked a new era of American mobility and connectivity.
Presented by PBS Western Reserve
The Remember Balloons
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Friday, May 22, at 5 PM
A heartwarming dance-theater production that brings families together through storytelling and movement. Inspired by the award-winning children’s book, the show uses dance, music and multimedia to explore memory, loss and intergenerational connections, making difficult conversations about Alzheimer’s disease accessible for audiences of all ages.
Presented by PBS Western Reserve
Marauder Men: In Their Own Words
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1)
Saturday, May 23, from 5-6:30 PM
This three-episode docuseries spotlights the Martin B-26 Marauder and the brave World War II pilots who flew the aircraft.In the 1990s, the B-26 Marauder Historical Society videotaped oral histories detailing the experiences of “Marauder Men,” the nickname claimed by Martin B-26 Marauder pilots in celebration of their camaraderie. This series offers an intimate look at that footage.
Presented by PBS Western Reserve
Memoirs of World War II
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Saturday, May 23, at 6:30 PM
Less than 3% of those who served during World War II are still alive today. Once they are gone, what will happen to the story of their sacrifice? Through personal accounts of real-life World War II veterans, this local program, dedicated to preserving the history and memories of those who served in the war, honors their sacrifice.
A PBS Western Reserve Production
Veterans of America — Our Heroes in Uniform, Out of Our Brains, Not Out of Our Minds
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Sunday, May 24, at 2:30 PM
Monday, May, 25, at 2 AM
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, affects hundreds of thousands of veterans. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. This 30-minute documentary, produced by Canton resident Ron Ponder, talks about some of the research and treatments of veterans and the general public of today.
A PBS Western Reserve Production
Veterans of America — Our Heroes in Uniform, They Served Too
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Sunday, May 24, at 3 PM
The story of female veterans is as varied as the story of females in all walks of life. This 30-minute local production highlights many of the challenges and successes of area women in uniform. Examples include a young mother who now serves in the Army Reserve, a young couple who are both veterans, a female general and a nurse who is in the reserves. The show also speaks about Sharon Lane, a Canton resident who was the first female casualty of the Vietnam War. In addition, it touches on female veterans’ high rate of homelessness and how Summit County Executive Ilean Shapiro has gotten involved in helping homeless female veterans.
Presented by PBS Western Reserve, Ideastream Public Media and the University of Akron’s Media Studies program
Akron State of the City Address 2026
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Tuesday, May 26, at 8 PM
Wednesday, May 27, at 1 AM
Wednesday, May 27, at 4 PM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Sunday, May 24, at 7 PM
Friday, May 29, at 7 PM
In partnership with the Akron Roundtable, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik leads an address at the Akron Civic Theater for the AKRON STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS 2026.
Those who wish to attend the live address in person on Tuesday, May 19, can do so at no cost, but registration is required.
Presented by PBS Western Reserve
Ringling, Akron & the ‘Blue Heaven’ Circuit
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Friday, May 29, at 5 PM
Learn the story of Akron’s role in the relaunch of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus following a deadly fire in 1944.
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, May 28, at 7 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.
This Episode:
Daryl Tol, President & CEO, HATCo, and Acting President & CEO, Summa Health
