OpenAI Acquires Tech Talk Show TBPN

The AI company buys the buzzy business-focused livestream to boost its communications and marketing efforts.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:40pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a complex AI control panel with intricate circuit patterns and abstract data visualizations, suspended in a dark, atmospheric environment to symbolize the powerful yet enigmatic nature of advanced AI.OpenAI's acquisition of the tech talk show TBPN signals the AI company's ambitions to shape the public narrative around its rapidly evolving technology.Menlo Park Today

OpenAI, the leading AI research company, has acquired TBPN, a popular tech-focused internet talk show with a small but influential audience. The deal, reportedly worth in the "low hundreds of millions," will see TBPN co-founders John Coogan and Jordi Hays continue to produce the daily three-hour livestream, while reporting to OpenAI's policy and strategy chief Chris Lehane. OpenAI says it was attracted to TBPN's "amazing comms and marketing instincts" as the company looks to improve its external communications and relationships with regulators, advertisers, and the broader tech community.

Why it matters

The acquisition is a surprising move for OpenAI, which has typically focused on developing and commercializing its core AI technologies. However, the deal highlights OpenAI's desire to have a more prominent media presence and influence the narrative around AI as it continues its rapid growth. TBPN's positive, pro-tech coverage aligns with OpenAI's interests, and the company sees value in leveraging the show's hosts and format to reach key stakeholders.

The details

TBPN, which launched a couple years ago, has built a loyal following in the tech community by hosting live interviews and discussions with prominent tech executives and investors. The show does not aim to break news or offer critical analysis, but rather provides a platform for tech leaders to share their messaging. This approach has allowed TBPN to secure access to figures like Palantir CEO Alex Karp and even set up a broadcast set at Meta's Menlo Park campus. While the TBPN founders say they will maintain editorial independence, the acquisition suggests OpenAI sees value in owning a media property that consistently casts the tech industry, and AI specifically, in a positive light.

  • OpenAI announced the acquisition of TBPN on April 2, 2026.
  • TBPN launched its first episode a couple years ago.

The players

OpenAI

An artificial intelligence research company founded in 2015, known for developing advanced language models like GPT-3 and ChatGPT. OpenAI is one of the leading AI companies and recently raised $122 billion in funding, valuing the company at over $850 billion.

John Coogan

The co-founder and co-host of TBPN, the tech-focused internet talk show that was acquired by OpenAI.

Jordi Hays

The co-founder and co-host of TBPN, the tech-focused internet talk show that was acquired by OpenAI.

Chris Lehane

The head of policy and strategy at OpenAI, who will oversee TBPN's operations following the acquisition.

Alex Karp

The CEO of Palantir, a data analytics company, who has appeared as a guest on TBPN.

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What they’re saying

“April Fools was yesterday. This is real. This is a very interesting deal.”

— John Coogan, Co-founder and co-host of TBPN

“We're excited to welcome the TBPN team to OpenAI and leverage their amazing comms and marketing instincts.”

— Fidji Simo

What’s next

OpenAI plans to integrate TBPN's operations and leverage the show's hosts and format to improve its external communications and relationships with key stakeholders, including regulators, advertisers, and the broader tech community.

The takeaway

The acquisition of TBPN by OpenAI is a surprising move that highlights the AI company's desire to have a more prominent media presence and influence the narrative around its technology. While the deal may seem unconventional, it reflects OpenAI's belief that owning a positive, pro-tech media property can be a valuable asset as it continues its rapid growth and expansion.