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 — September 2026
Published on
Partnership with Akron Children’s
More Childhood, Please
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / 49.1)
Friday, Sept. 4, at 1:30 PM
Monday, Sept. 7, at 10 AM
Thursday, Sept. 10, at 7 AM
Sunday, Sept. 13, at 5 PM
“School Life” Get smarter about school. Learn what kids love about school, which parts can cause them stress and how to make the most of every learning opportunity.
All Too Clear: Beneath the Surface of the Great Lakes
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturday, Sept. 5, at 2 PM
Underwater drones reveal how invasive quagga mussels are reshaping North America’s Great Lakes on a scale not seen since the glaciers. By trapping nutrients on the lake bottom, they cause widespread species loss and biological deserts — yet leave unusually transparent waters. Scientists race to control the invaders and discover clearer waters may offer an opportunity to restore an ancient ecosystem.
Stream ALL TOO CLEAR: BENEATH THE SURFACE OF THE GREAT LAKES.
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.
Presented by PBS Western Reserve
Ken Nordine: Video for the Ear
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 10:30 PM
Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 3:30 AM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Sunday, Sept. 6, at 7:30 PM
Ken Nordine, nationally known voice-over and commercial recording artist, is featured in a new local production that is the work of Uniontown resident Carl Palmer of Wild Life Media. KEN NORDINE: VIDEO FOR THE EAR celebrates Chicago’s oldest living hipster and original beatnik. Musical and performance artist Laurie Anderson provides narration for the production.
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.
AROUND AKRON WITH BLUE GREEN REACHES 100!
A PBS Western Reserve Production
Around Akron with Blue Green
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Thursday, Sept. 10, at 3 PM
Sunday, Sept. 13, at 5:30 PM
Friday, Sept. 18, at 10:30 PM
Saturday, Sept. 19, at 3:30 AM
Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 8 PM
Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 1 AM
Sunday, Sept. 27, at 5 PM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Sunday, Sept. 13, at 4 PM
Saturday, Sept. 19, at 4:30 PM
Sunday, Sept. 20, at 8:30 PM
Thursday, Sept. 24, at 7 PM
Sunday, Sept. 27, at 7:30 PM
AROUND AKRON 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.
With AROUND AKRON, independent producer Blue Green has dedicated himself to visiting every corner of the city for the show, from Kenmore to North Hill, Ellet and the Merriman Valley — capturing a decade of Akron’s vibrant city life.
The 100th episode premieres on Thursday, Sept. 10, at 3 PM.
“I am incredibly honored to have been trusted to tell the stories of hundreds of individuals, businesses, notable figures, and historic locations over the past ten years and 100 episodes. Thank you to everyone who I’ve interviewed, all those who have helped, all of my amazing fans, and to PBS Western Reserve for joining me on this incredible journey.” – Blue Green
Paul Laurence Dunbar: Beyond The Mask
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturday, Sept. 12, at noon
The documentary explores the life and legacy of the first African American to achieve national fame as a writer. Born to former slaves in Dayton, Ohio, Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906) is best remembered for his poem “We Wear the Mask” and for lines from “Sympathy,” which inspired the title of Maya Angelou‘s famous autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” Drawing richly on archival photographs, letters and newspaper articles, PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR: BEYOND THE MASK chronicles the short but remarkable life and career of the influential poet and writer.
Presented by PBS Western Reserve
The World According to Polka, Season 1
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 8 PM
Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 1:30 AM
Saturday, Sept. 26. at 6:30 PM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturday, Sept. 12, at 9:30 PM
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. The band’s antics offer an informative tour of Northeast Ohio and beyond.
Partnership with Akron Children’s
More Childhood, Please
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / 49.1)
Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 11:30 AM
Sunday, Sept. 20, at 6:30 AM
Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 9:30 AM
Monday, Sept. 28, at 1:30 PM
“Explore the Outdoors: Remix” Our hosts, Lily and Rhys, step into nature and learn beekeeping from a local business, earn Junior Ranger badges at a national park and discover why the outdoors matter for kids.
A PBS Western Reserve Production
By Nature’s Design: Inside the Forest
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Fridays, Sept. 18–Oct. 2, at 8:30 PM
Saturdays, Sept. 19-Oct. 3, at 1:30 AM
Sundays, Sept. 20-Oct. 4, at 5:30 PM
Thursdays, Sept. 24-Oct. 8, at 3 PM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturdays, Sept. 19-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, Ideastream Public Media and the University of Akron’s Media Studies program
Akron Roundtable
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Thursday, Sept. 24, 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:
Michael Dougherty & Katy Robinson, Chief Pilot, Airship Operations & Social Media Creative Services Manager, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Presented by PBS Western Reserve
Gathered in Darkness
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 10:30 PM
Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 3:30 AM
For thousands of years, total solar eclipses have captivated humanity. They are also great for science. The Citizen Continental-America Telescopic Eclipse (CATE) 2024 brought amateur and professional scientists into partnership to gather data on our Sun’s corona, its outermost atmosphere, during the 2024 total solar eclipse. Explore perspectives of the community participants in this documentary.