‘NEOtropolis’ starts year with new focus

Staff report

KENT

“NEOtropolis” will return for its third season on Western Reserve PBS this week, with a new focus, a new host and a new look.

The show, produced by Western Reserve Public Media, will air live at 9 p.m. every Tuesday. It will also be streamed live at NEOtropolis.org.

The third season will reveal the show’s new vision, which includes a broader scope in its subject matter. It aims to help residents make sense of the changes that are impacting life in Northeast Ohio.

New host Luke Frazier will explore how technology, globalization and diversity are changing how area residents live.

“Probably not since our country made the transition from the agrarian age to the industrial era have people faced so many changes in how they work, learn, live and play,” said Trina Cutter, president and CEO of Western Reserve Public Media and executive producer of the series.

“The digital age has changed almost everything. NEOtropolis aims to help Northeast Ohioans make sense of the forces of change swirling around them.”

Social media will play a role in the third season. Viewers can interact with the program as it airs and throughout the week.

“Our goal is to explore, in a mindful and sometimes irreverent way, how Northeast Ohio is responding to change,” said host Luke Frazier.

“We want to provide information and stories about our experiences, and we invite viewers to help us do that.”