OpenAI acquires TBPN to expand media and strategy reach

OpenAI has acquired TBPN, bringing the fast-growing tech media outlet into the artificial intelligence company.

TBPN, short for Technology Business Programming Network, runs a daily live tech talk show hosted by entrepreneurs Jordi Hays and John Coogan. The business will sit within OpenAI's Strategy organisation and report to Chris Lehane.

The acquisition adds a media brand that has built an audience around day-to-day discussion of artificial intelligence, technology companies and startup culture. Under the agreement, TBPN will continue its programming, choose its guests and make its own editorial decisions.

That commitment to editorial independence appears central to the arrangement. OpenAI described protecting that independence as foundational to TBPN's credibility, even as the outlet moves in-house.

In an internal message to staff, Fidji Simo, Chief Executive Officer, AGI Deployment, described the rationale for the move in terms of communication as well as audience reach. She said the company had concluded that a conventional corporate communications model did not fit OpenAI's position at the centre of rapid changes in artificial intelligence.

Simo also said TBPN had developed a strong reputation for hosting conversations among builders, users and influential voices across technology, business and culture. Many people already watch the outlet to keep up with developments in artificial intelligence, she said.

Editorial role

TBPN's team will retain control over editorial decisions after the acquisition. OpenAI said it wants to support the outlet's growth while preserving the qualities that made it successful with viewers and listeners.

Beyond programming, the deal also gives OpenAI access to TBPN's communications and marketing experience. Simo said the team had worked with many brands online and had shown a strong understanding of where the industry is headed.

The acquisition appears to serve more than one function. Alongside adding a media operation with an established audience, OpenAI is also bringing in a team it believes can help shape how it presents artificial intelligence to the public.

TBPN will become part of OpenAI's Strategy organisation. In her message to employees, Simo welcomed Jordi, John, Dylan and the wider team, referring to co-founders Hays and Coogan and President Dylan Abruscato.

Growing audience

TBPN describes itself as a daily live tech talk show and media company. It airs on weekdays and has built distribution across social media, podcasting and newsletter platforms, including X, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, LinkedIn, Substack and Instagram.

The outlet has gained traction across the technology sector in a relatively short period. The New York Times recently described TBPN as "Silicon Valley's newest obsession."

That profile may help explain OpenAI's interest. As one of the most prominent companies in artificial intelligence, it has faced intense scrutiny and pressure not only to build products and research systems, but also to explain their effects on businesses, workers and the public.

In her message, Simo said OpenAI had a responsibility to help create room for a "real, constructive conversation" about the changes brought by artificial intelligence, with builders and users of the technology at the centre of that discussion. She said TBPN had already built that kind of forum.

TBPN's statement pointed to its close view of the industry over the past year, including coverage of OpenAI and rival groups as news and product launches unfolded. It also suggested the team sees the move as a chance to shift from covering the sector to influencing how the technology is understood and distributed.

"Over the past year, we've had a front-row seat not just to OpenAI, but to the entire ecosystem, covering the daily news, announcements, and launches in real time. 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. Moving from commentary to real impact in how this technology is distributed and understood globally is incredibly important to us," said Jordi Hays, Co-founder and Co-host of TBPN.