OpenAI acquires TBPN, a fast-rising founder-led business talk show

OpenAI has acquired the fast-growing technology talk show TBPN, making this the company's first acquisition of a media platform. Following the deal, TBPN will operate under OpenAI's strategy organisation and report to Chris Lehane, who leads the company's political and communications efforts.

TBPN, short for Technology Business Programming Network, is hosted by former founders John Coogan and Jordi Hays. The show runs daily as a live broadcast on YouTube and X, typically spanning three hours, and focuses on topics across technology, business, artificial intelligence, and defence.

Over time, the program has built a strong following in Silicon Valley, positioning itself as a place where industry insiders can engage in open conversations. It has become a central hub for tech discourse, frequently featuring prominent leaders such as Mark Zuckerberg, Satya Nadella, Marc Benioff, and Sam Altman, who discuss developments, react to news, and share perspectives on the evolving tech landscape.

Despite the acquisition, TBPN will continue to operate under its existing brand identity. OpenAI plans to support its expansion and growth, although the company has already achieved notable scale. According to reporting from The Wall Street Journal, TBPN is projected to generate more than $30 million in revenue this year.

OpenAI already produces its own podcast focused on long-form discussions with individuals working on its technologies. Still, this acquisition signals a broader interest in shaping how conversations around AI and technology reach wider audiences.

Fidji Simo, who leads the company's AGI deployment efforts, highlighted the value of TBPN's communication approach. She pointed to the hosts' ability to connect with audiences and explain complex topics, stating that their work will help bring a deeper understanding of AI's real-world impact to a broader public.

Simo also emphasised that TBPN will retain editorial independence, continuing to select its own guests, manage its programming, and make its own content decisions. This point is particularly relevant given that the show often discusses OpenAI and its competitors, raising questions about how the relationship may influence coverage.

The structure of the acquisition places TBPN within OpenAI's strategic operations, reporting to Chris Lehane, a figure known for his experience in political communications. Lehane has played a role in major policy and advocacy efforts and joined OpenAI in 2024, where he has been involved in shaping the company's broader public and regulatory strategy.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman addressed concerns about the acquisition's impact on TBPN's tone, suggesting that the show would continue to critique the company when necessary. He noted that he does not expect the hosts to soften their stance and even joked that his own decisions might continue to give them material to discuss.

From TBPN's perspective, the deal represents an opportunity to extend its influence beyond commentary. Jordi Hays said that while the show has at times taken a critical view of the industry, the team was drawn to OpenAI's openness to feedback and its commitment to advancing the technology responsibly.

Hays added that the partnership allows TBPN to move from simply discussing AI developments to playing a more active role in how the technology is communicated and understood globally.

The acquisition reflects a broader trend of technology companies investing in media and communication channels to shape public understanding and narratives around rapidly evolving technologies like artificial intelligence.