John Oliver's Auction for Public Broadcasting Features Rare Bob Ross Painting

John Oliver and Last Week Tonight launched an auction website, John Oliver's Junk, to support public broadcasting, featuring 65 items up for bid, including an original 1987 painting by late PBS icon Bob Ross, Cabin at Sunset, which was fetching $51,000 at press time. The auction was announced in response to the Trump administration's defunding of public media, which resulted in a $1.1 billion cut to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting earlier this year. According to John Oliver, the show's creator and host, the decision to defund public media has severely impacted radio and TV stations, particularly in rural areas. "We're trying to do our part to help," Oliver said in a statement. "Public broadcasting is a vital part of our democracy, and we're committed to supporting it." The auction website, which went live on November 16, 2025, features a wide range of items, including artwork, memorabilia, and collectibles. The original Bob Ross painting, Cabin at Sunset, is one of the most valuable items up for bid, with a starting price of $50,000. The painting, created in 1987, is a rare example of Ross's work and is expected to fetch a high price. "Bob Ross was a beloved figure in American broadcasting, and his artwork continues to inspire and delight audiences," said a spokesperson for the auction website. "We're thrilled to offer this rare opportunity for fans to own a piece of his legacy." The defunding of public media by the Trump administration has had a significant impact on radio and TV stations across the country. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides funding for public broadcasting, was cut by $1.1 billion earlier this year. This has resulted in the loss of jobs, programming, and services at many public broadcasting stations, particularly in rural areas. "Public broadcasting is essential to the health of our democracy," said a spokesperson for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. "We're grateful for John Oliver's support and commitment to preserving public media." The auction website, John Oliver's Junk, will remain open until December 31, 2025, with all proceeds going to support public broadcasting. The website features a wide range of items, including artwork, memorabilia, and collectibles, and is expected to attract a large number of bidders. As of press time, the auction had already generated significant interest, with many items selling for thousands of dollars. In addition to the auction, Last Week Tonight has also produced a series of segments highlighting the importance of public broadcasting and the impact of the Trump administration's defunding decision. The show's final episode of 2025 tackled the issue, detailing the severe impact of the funding cut on public broadcasting stations across the country. "We're proud to be part of the public broadcasting community and to be supporting this vital service," said John Oliver in a statement.