OpenAI Acquires Popular Tech Talk Show TBPN

The buzzy founder-led business program will continue to operate independently under OpenAI's oversight.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:21pm by Ben Kaplan

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a futuristic tech studio filled with pulsing neon lights, holographic displays, and sleek, minimalist hardware, representing the convergence of media, technology, and AI.The acquisition of a popular tech talk show signals OpenAI's ambition to shape the narrative around AI through innovative media partnerships.San Francisco Today

OpenAI has acquired the popular tech industry talk show TBPN, making it the AI giant's first acquisition of a media company. TBPN, hosted by former tech founders John Coogan and Jordi Hays, will continue to operate independently and maintain editorial control, but will now report to OpenAI's chief political operative, Chris Lehane.

Why it matters

The acquisition of TBPN, a show known for its candid discussions with tech industry power players, raises questions about OpenAI's motivations and the potential for conflicts of interest. As OpenAI nears an IPO, the move to bring a prominent tech media outlet under its influence is seen by some as an attempt to shape the narrative around the company and the broader AI industry.

The details

TBPN is a daily live show that airs on YouTube and X, focusing on tech, business, AI, and defense. The show has gained a cult following in Silicon Valley, providing a platform for top tech CEOs to speak candidly and be questioned by fellow insiders. OpenAI will help scale the TBPN brand, but the show will continue to have editorial independence and make its own programming decisions.

  • OpenAI acquired TBPN in April 2026.
  • TBPN is on track to pull in more than $30 million in revenue this year, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The players

OpenAI

An artificial intelligence research company that has made significant advancements in language models and other AI technologies. OpenAI is on the brink of an IPO.

TBPN

A popular tech industry talk show that has gained a cult following in Silicon Valley for its candid discussions with industry power players.

John Coogan and Jordi Hays

The hosts of TBPN, who are former tech founders.

Chris Lehane

OpenAI's chief political operative, known for his expertise in political strategy and communications.

Fidji Simo

OpenAI's head of AGI deployment, who oversees the company's acquisition of TBPN.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Sam Altman, CEO, OpenAI

“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.”

— Jordi Hays, Co-host, TBPN

What’s next

OpenAI will work to scale the TBPN brand and leverage the show's reach and influence to help the company communicate its vision for AI technology to a wider audience.

The takeaway

The acquisition of TBPN by OpenAI raises concerns about the potential for conflicts of interest and the company's ability to shape the narrative around AI. However, OpenAI's commitment to maintaining TBPN's editorial independence and the hosts' belief in the company's openness to feedback suggest that the acquisition may lead to more transparent and impactful discussions about the future of AI.