MBC Launches 2026 Front Row Charity Auction

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | 11:02am CT

Front Row Experiences Charity Auction

The Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC) has launched its 2026 Front Row Experiences Charity Auction, offering fans the chance to bid on more than 50 exclusive experiences with broadcasters, entertainers, athletes and media personalities while raising funds to support the museum's educational programs and preservation efforts.

Online bidding opens July 14 at 10am CT and runs through July 28 at 4pm CT via Charitybuzz and the museum's website.

Now in its 44th year, the Chicago-based Museum of Broadcast Communications continues its mission of preserving the history of television, radio, cable, streaming and digital media. The museum recently opened its new facility, featuring acclaimed exhibits including The Evolution of Late-Night Television and Johnny Carson: The Centennial. This fall, it will add the original Late Show with Stephen Colbert set from New York's Ed Sullivan Theater, donated by CBS and Colbert for permanent display.

Auction offerings include private lunches with actors Henry Winkler, Joe Mantegna and Bob Odenkirk; VIP tickets to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon; a meet-and-greet with Billy Corgan and The Smashing Pumpkins; a Chicago Bears game-day experience with quarterback Caleb Williams; dinner with legendary Chicago meteorologist Tom Skilling; and behind-the-scenes access to NBC's One Chicago productions.

Radio fans can also bid on experiences with programs and personalities including The WGN Morning News, NBC 5 Chicago, CBS Chicago, Svengoolie, Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, Mojo in the Morning, The Breakfast Club, Jim Rome, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, Bill O'Reilly and Chris Cuomo.

Music and sports packages feature opportunities with artists including Billy Corgan, Al Jardine of The Beach Boys and Poi Dog Pondering, as well as premium experiences with the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks, Northwestern Football and Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball.

"Front Row Experiences is much more than a charity auction," said David Plier, Chair, President and CEO of the Museum of Broadcast Communications. "It is an opportunity to connect fans with the personalities, programs and performances that have shaped American culture."

Proceeds from the auction will support the museum's preservation initiatives, educational programming and complimentary field trips for high school students from underserved communities. This fall, the Washington, D.C.-based Library of American Broadcasting Foundation will honor the museum with its Preservation Award, recognizing its contributions to preserving America's broadcast heritage.