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Bob Ross Painting Tops $1 Million in John Oliver Auction to Back Public Media

Proceeds support a bridge fund created to keep local stations afloat following Congress’ $1.1 billion public broadcasting cut.

Overview

  • John Oliver’s online sale features 65 items from Last Week Tonight and runs through November 24 at johnoliversjunk.com.
  • All funds go to the Public Media Bridge Fund, which aims to raise $100 million over two years to stabilize at-risk stations.
  • High-profile lots include Russell Crowe’s Cinderella Man jockstrap, Mrs. Cabbage Oliver, a sculpture of Lyndon B. Johnson’s anatomy, wax presidents, and VIP experiences.
  • A chance to appear in an over-the-shoulder photo on a future episode has surpassed $100,000, and meeting Oliver in New York has drawn bids over $50,000.
  • The effort follows the CPB’s defunding and wind-down, with industry warnings that roughly 115 stations serving 43 million Americans could close by mid-2026.