00:00Original Bob Ross paintings are being auctioned to support public broadcasters such as PBS.
00:05The collection features works like Northern Lights and Meadow Lake, created during Ross's time on the Joy of Painting.
00:10These pieces have been held by Bob Ross Incorporated and are being offered for sale for the first time ever.
00:15The auction comes as public television stations face funding challenges following federal budget cuts over $1 billion.
00:21Supporters of said cuts argue that broadcasters should operate independently of government funding.
00:26Those who oppose the cuts argue that reducing support for public broadcasters undermines access to free educational programming that serves communities nationwide.
00:36The proceeds of the auction will be used to expand educational and cultural programming on public media platforms.
00:41And some view the auction as a meaningful way to celebrate Ross's legacy while supporting public media.
00:46But others have raised concerns that selling the artwork may conflict with Ross's original intent to make art accessible to all.
00:53Due to their rarity and Ross's lasting popularity, the paintings are expected to go fast.
00:59So should these paintings remain in the public domain or is it appropriate to sell them to fund public media?
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