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 — October 2026
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A PBS Western Reserve Production
By Nature’s Design: Inside the Forest
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Thursdays, Oct. 1-8, at 3 PM
Friday, Oct. 2, at 8:30 PM
Saturday, Oct. 3, at 1:30 AM
Sunday, Oct. 4, at 5:30 PM
Monday, Oct. 12, at 12:30 AM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturday, Oct. 3, at 4 PM
PBS Western Reserve’s original nature series BY NATURE’S DESIGN returns for a second season, offering a close look at what makes the forest a place of evergreen importance.
Through serene landscapes, approachable science, and visits to the Holden Arboretum, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Pennsylvania’s Plain Grove Fens Natural Area, this season captures the fascinating forest ecosystems of our region with help from local experts.
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
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.
Partnership with Akron Children’s
More Childhood, Please
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / 49.1)
Sunday, Oct. 4, at 5 PM
Monday, Oct. 5, at 9 AM
Saturday, Oct. 10, at 6:30 AM
Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 1:30 PM
Friday, Oct. 16, at 8 AM
Friday, Oct. 23, at noon
Sunday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 AM
Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 10 AM
“Emotions and Feelings: Remix” Childhood is filled with feelings: good and bad, big and small. In this episode, we’re exploring the wide range of emotions and feelings, and learning helpful ways to manage or express them
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.
Presented by PBS Western Reserve
The World According to Polka, Season 4
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Fridays, Oct. 9-Nov. 6 at 8:30 PM; Oct. 16 at 9 PM
Saturdays, Oct. 10, 24 & 31, at 1:30 AM
Saturday, Oct. 17, at 2 AM
Saturday, Nov. 7, at 1 AM
Saturdays, Oct. 10-24 & Nov. 7, at 10 PM
Sundays, Oct. 11-25 & Nov. 8, at 2 AM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Sundays, Oct. 11-Nov. 8 at 8:30 PM
Thursdays, Oct. 15-Nov. 12 at 8 PM
In their fourth season of THE WORLD ACCORDING TO POLKA, the zany Chardon Polka Band takes viewers on a wacky journey that includes a visit to an accordion museum, lessons about recycling, a tour of a sausage shop, and an eight-foot-tall statue of sasquatch.
Presented by PBS Western Reserve
The World According to Polka Halloween Spook-Tacular
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Friday, Oct. 30, at 10:30 PM
Saturday, Oct. 31, at 3:30 AM & 10 PM
Sunday, Nov. 1, at 2 AM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Friday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 PM
If Vincent Price had teamed up with Lawrence Welk, they might have come up with something a tad like this. Hosted by Emmy-winning bandleader Jake Kouwe, this program is a delightful jaunt into your favorite spooky season!
The Chardon Polka Band provides a delightful soundtrack of creepy classics, macabre masterpieces and trick-or-treating tunes! Special guests include horror hosts The Mummy and The Monkey, guitar phenom Michael Weber, The Vindys’ Jackie Popovec and animal handler Outback Ray. This is a spine-chilling special for the ages!
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, Oct. 22, 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.
This Episode:
Leandra Drumm, Artist, Don Drumm Studios and Gallery
