URGENT UPDATE: An auction of iconic Bob Ross paintings is set to begin in Los Angeles on Tuesday, aiming to raise $1 million to support public media following a critical funding crisis. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) closed its doors on September 30, 2023, leaving public radio and television stations across the United States facing dire financial straits.
This unprecedented move comes as lawmakers in Washington, D.C. have decided to retract previously approved funds for CPB, jeopardizing essential broadcasting services that are vital for small towns, rural areas, and Indigenous communities throughout the nation. Bob Ross, known for his comforting and encouraging presence on PBS’s “The Joy of Painting,” is stepping in to help these struggling outlets.
The auction will feature the first three of 30 paintings that will be sold, with all proceeds directed toward sustaining public media services. Bob Ross Inc. has initiated this generous effort, emphasizing that public media remains a critical resource, providing free educational programming and local journalism that informs and connects communities.
Public media has historically served as a lifeline, delivering crucial information, emergency alerts, and cultural programming. Despite the ongoing challenges, public radio and television stations have proven resilient, providing around 90% of rural public stations with original, on-the-ground reporting. They are the backbone of local journalism, especially in an era where traditional media outlets are dwindling.
The Schmidt Family Foundation, which has actively supported public media for over a decade, is rallying other philanthropic organizations and individuals to join this urgent cause. Wendy Schmidt, co-founder and president of the foundation, stated, “The need for public media remains unchanged. It’s up to all of us to save it as an essential, free news service.”
Public media serves more than 95% of Americans while utilizing less than 0.01% of the federal budget, illustrating its efficiency and importance. Programs like “Sesame Street” and “NOVA” rely on funding from public media to reach audiences of all ages, fostering education and community engagement.
The auction of Bob Ross’s paintings is not just a fundraising effort; it’s a call to action for Americans who cherish the legacy of his work. As public media faces unprecedented challenges, the community’s support could ensure its survival and continued service.
As the auction approaches, public media organizations are ramping up their donation drives and finding new ways to collaborate for sustainability. The hope is that through collective effort, public media can thrive, maintaining the vital connections that bind communities together.
In a time when misinformation is rampant, public media remains one of the most trusted sources of news across the political spectrum, with independent studies indicating no consistent bias in its reporting. However, the recent federal funding cuts could jeopardize this trust, making it crucial for the public to step up now.
With your support, public media can continue to provide essential news coverage, emergency information, and local stories that resonate deeply within communities. Join the movement to save public media and ensure that the legacy of Bob Ross endures long beyond his paintings.
This auction is a pivotal moment, and every bid counts. Stay tuned for updates as we follow the developments leading up to this significant event in Los Angeles.
