Late-night host John Oliver is helping public media by auctioning off props from his show Last Week Tonight. The auction, called “John Oliver’s Junk,” is a fundraiser for local public media stations that have lost government funding. Earlier this year, the federal government cut $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which affected many NPR and PBS stations, especially in rural areas.
John Oliver Auctions Props to Support Public Media
Oliver explained on his show that public media provides important benefits to communities across the country. He said the cuts would be felt most by small and tribal communities that rely on these stations for news, education, and cultural programs. To help, he started this auction, which includes 65 items from the show’s 12-year history, ranging from funny props to rare collectibles.
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One of the most valuable items is an original 1987 painting by Bob Ross called Cabin at Sunset, which had a high bid of almost $840,000. Other unusual items include Russell Crowe’s jockstrap, which Oliver bought for the show in season five, currently bidding over $16,000. There is also a Mrs. Cabbage Oliver puppet with a bid over $10,000 and a signed bucket of dolls used for wildlife projects in season nine. Fans can also bid for a chance to fly to New York and meet John Oliver, which is already going for more than $27,000.
The auction will continue until November 24, 2025. All the money raised will go to the Public Media Bridge Fund, which supports local radio and TV stations struggling after federal funding cuts. These funds help keep programs like Sesame Street, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, and local cultural and educational shows running, especially in smaller communities that do not have access to major media outlets.
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Oliver’s effort highlights the importance of public media in America. Even as federal funding decreases and political debates continue over the role of public broadcasting, initiatives like this help keep independent stations alive. By auctioning off show props, Oliver is turning entertainment into support for communities, showing how creative solutions can help preserve public media for everyone.
Author: Purnima s
Purnima | Entertainment Blogger 4+ yrs writing fun blogs on movies, celebs & trends. Pop culture addict serving fresh, binge-worthy content!
