- I don't think there's enough communication.

I don't think there's enough... ...getting to know you between neighbors.

Not like there used to be, because you used to really depend on your neighbors for a cup of sugar, or to help you watch your kids.

And we've kind of... gotten away from that.

(happy, childlike music) I've lived in southwestern Pennsylvania for my entire life.

People here are kind, and fun, and friendly.

When I was about four, I was totally obsessed with Mister Rogers and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.

Fred was my friend.

(playful music) Once a year, they would open the studios to the public, and my family took me down there.

And I got to meet Mister Rogers.

Growing up in a neighborhood much like Fred created for me on television helped me understand how I should interact with a lot of the neighbors that were around me.

I didn't even realize the impact that Mister Rogers and PBS had on my life until I started working in education.

When looking for guidance on media literacy, I really turned to PBS.

WQED is the oldest community-owned public television station in the country.

Fred obviously had a huge influence on public media and local stations that it could be used to educate people and educate children.

Public media gives people an opportunity to make it a two-way street.

We want to be where families and children are.

Learning doesn't just happen in a school or a library.

There are teachable moments everywhere.

It really is giving people a voice that don't have a voice.

WQED has made me feel more responsible for making sure people's stories are heard.

That is one of the greatest gifts that public media gives to our communities.

It's Rachel and John late night, and one of our favorite guests is back.

Gina Masciola from WQED.

On Saturday morning, we are co-hosting an event called "Arts in the Park".

It's a totally free, family-friendly event.

There will be interactive tables with local artists demonstrating how you can use something you might be passionate about in the future.

(playful music) One of the things that I really love is the opportunity to listen, and understand what the needs of that community could be and how we might be able to help.

- Hi, Joe!

- How are you?

- How are you?

The kids are gonna love this.

- Thank you!

Being from Pennsylvania has shaped me in a bunch of different ways.

I love the neighborhood feel.

Neighbors are important.

Being a neighbor is really about building relationships with other people.

(bright acoustic music) Geography doesn't necessarily make you a neighborhood.

It can, but really being connected to the community around you is what makes you a neighbor.

It's really important to understand what your neighbors might be going through.

It's important to make sure that communities thrive, and are successful in raising happy, healthy children.

I think a lot of people in Pennsylvania ask themselves: "What would Fred do?"

People from Pennsylvania identify so closely with Fred that he is one of us.

He is the North Star.

(playful acoustic music)