OpenAI acquires TBPN, a tech talk show
What's the story
OpenAI, the artificial intelligence giant, has acquired Technology Business Programming Network (TBPN), a popular tech industry talk show. The move marks OpenAI's first acquisition of a media company. The show will now report to Chris Lehane, OpenAI's chief political operative. Hosted by tech founders John Coogan and Jordi Hays, TBPN is a daily live show on YouTube and X focusing on technology, business, AI and defense.
Industry impact
A go-to platform for tech leaders
TBPN has become a staple in Silicon Valley, providing a platform for industry leaders to speak candidly and be questioned by their peers. The show has been likened to a Sports Center for the tech industry, where top tech CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg, Marc Benioff, Satya Nadella, and Sam Altman discuss current events. Despite being acquired by OpenAI, TBPN will continue as its own brand with support from the AI giant.
Financial growth
TBPN on track to generate over $30 million
According to The Wall Street Journal, TBPN is on track to generate over $30 million this year. OpenAI already has its own podcast for long-form conversations with tech builders at the company. The AI giant also plans to leverage the founders' amazing communications and marketing instincts outside of their show. Fidji Simo, OpenAI's head of AGI deployment, said TBPN will help bring AI to the world in a way that helps people understand the full impact of this technology.
Editorial freedom
It will continue to have editorial independence
Despite the acquisition, TBPN will have editorial independence and continue to "run their programming, choose their guests, and make their own editorial decisions," Simo said. This assurance comes amid concerns over OpenAI's controversial political strategies under Lehane. Some users remain skeptical, calling it a PR move by the AI firm. In a post on X, Altman said TBPN is his favourite tech show. However, he clarified that he doesn't expect any leniency from TBPN after the acquisition.
Twitter Post
'I don't expect them to go any easier on us'
TBPN is my favorite tech show.
— Sam Altman (@sama) April 2, 2026
We want them to keep that going and for them to do what they do so well.
I don't expect them to go any easier on us, am sure I'll do my part to help enable that with occasional stupid decisions.
Future aspirations
TBPN's commitment to making a real impact
Hays, one of TBPN's founders, emphasized their commitment to making a real impact on how AI technology is distributed and understood globally. The acquisition isn't just about commentary but also about taking steps toward this goal. He said, While we've been critical of the industry at times, after getting to know Sam and the OpenAI team, what stood out most was their openness to feedback and commitment to getting this right.