OpenAI has acquired TBPN, a daily podcast or streaming show that has built a strong following in Silicon Valley. The company said the move is meant to help it communicate more clearly about AI while keeping TBPN’s editorial independence. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Details of the acquisition
According to OpenAI’s announcement, the TBPN team brings “strong editorial instincts” and experience convening voices across tech, business and culture. OpenAI said TBPN will continue to keep its editorial independence and will help support the company’s communications around AI. Reuters reported that the deal was described internally as a way to better articulate OpenAI’s plans and shape the broader conversation about AI.
About TBPN
TBPN (Technology Business Programming Network) is a new but fast-growing media platform focused on technology, startups, and business news. It operates primarily as a live, daily talk show and podcast, covering developments across Silicon Valley and the broader tech industry.
TBPN was founded in late 2024 by John Coogan and Jordi Hays and was built as a competitor to established business and tech outlets. The show has drawn executives from companies such as Meta, Microsoft and OpenAI itself.
TBPN averages about 70,000 viewers per episode and has generated more than $5 million in advertising revenue this year, with projections to exceed $30 million in 2026. Those figures were attributed to The Wall Street Journal in The Verge’s reporting.
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TBPN Sam Altman’s favourite show
Sam Altman publicly posted that “TBPN is my favourite tech show.” OpenAI wants TBPN to keep doing what it does well, including not going easier on OpenAI in its coverage. Beyond that, the cited reports do not provide a separate, detailed explanation from Altman for why he prefers the show.
The acquisition is unusual because it places a media property inside a major AI company. OpenAI has not previously signalled plans to enter the news business, which is why the deal drew attention well beyond the tech media circle. The move also fits a broader pattern of tech companies building or buying media channels to manage how they communicate with the public.
