PBS Western Reserve spotlights Akron, Alliance, Canton and Kent in new 'City Centric' series

A new PBS Western Reserve series, "City Centric," will showcase four cities in Stark and Summit counties.

The series debuts Sept. 1 and run six weeks. A new episode airs at 8:30 p.m. every Friday on channels 45.1 and 49.1 and replays several times.

The show will spotlight, in order, Akron, Alliance, Canton, Kent, Youngstown and Sharon, Pennsylvania. Each show will features six individuals from that community. The series is hosted by Sthephanie Marie, the 2020 Miss Ohio who is a business owner and social media influencer.

"Our station has a new initiative called “LuminUS: Stories About Us” whose purpose is to focus on stories in our region," said Ryan Donchess, executive producer of City Centric. "We view City Centric as the signature series to serve as the centerpiece for this project."

Donchess said they hope to explore more cities in the region, including Massillon, for future seasons.

He added that all individuals in the series represent one of six distinct categories − entertainment, politics, humanitarian, revitalization, entrepreneurial and the future. "Every single community has people who fit those characteristics," Donchess said.

Here's a quick look at four of the cities featured:

Akron: 'A Rich History and A Bright Future.'

Set to air Sept. 1, the Akron episode is described as "Learn About A City With A Rich History And A Bright Future" on the show's website. Interviewed for this episode were Tony Troppe, Jenn Kidd, Tiffany Roper, Margo Sommerville, Curtis Minter and Bronlynn Thurman.

Roper, an Akron native who lives in Canton, owns several businesses − all part of her "Snap and Flair" company that includes renting out photo booths. She represented entrepreneurs in the Rubber City.

"Akron is really good at coming together and collaborating," she said. "It is amazing the number of people eagerly waiting to support you and find ways to amplify the great things about your business."

Alliance: 'This Small Town With a Big Heart.'

Airing Sept. 8, the Alliance episode is called "Delight In This Small Town With a Big Heart." The Carnation City is the city where WNEO (45.1) is licensed.

Interviewed for this episode were Chas Mitchell, Joe Mazzola, Ed Albert, Raymont and Brenda Johnson, John Hampu and Chad Mercer. A clip of the episode was shown recently at Silver Park during Greater Alliance Carnation Festival's Days in the Park.

Mercer, 22, an art major at Kent State University, represents the city's future. His business sells customized shoes.

Being part of the series was "amazing," he said. "They asked me basic questions like what plans do I have for the future. Like what have I done around the community. They videotaped me painting shoes."

Canton: 'Maximizes Its Potential.'

The Canton episode debuts Sept. 15 with Elec Simon, Ryan Miller, Kevonne Wright, Kyle Stone, Steven Coon and Faith Barbato. It is titled "See This Growing City As It Maximizes Its Potential."

Stone, the Stark County prosecutor, was interviewed in April for the series. Stone was asked what makes Canton, his hometown, a special place. "It's the Hall of Fame City," Stone said in an email. "It's a great city that's on an upward trajectory, and there are great things in store for the city. Canton is a jewel that's being refined to make it even better."

Kent: 'This Cozy College Town with a Storybook Sensibility.'

Airing Sept. 22, the Kent episode features Heather Malarick, Mike Beder, James Vaughan, Gwen Rosenberg, Savanna Wills and Candace Curtis. Its title is "Visit This Cozy College Town With A Storybook Sensibility."

"We talked about the work Main Street Kent has done since 2007 to revitalize our downtown, including the creation of fantastic events and cool public art, marketing and promotions, all in support of our local businesses and our community," Malarick said.

The final two episodes focus on Youngstown and Sharon, Pennsylvania.

Donchess said the purpose of the series was to show that communities in the region have more similarities than differences, despite distinct personalities.

"Ilearned that those six cities are all more similar than different, and that there are many people in each community who work to serve that community on a regular basis in their daily life," he said.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: PBS series 'City Centric' spotlights Akron, Alliance, Canton and Kent