OpenAI acquires TBPN, the buzzy founder-led business talk show
TechCrunch • • business
Key Points:
- OpenAI has acquired TBPN (Technology Business Programming Network), a popular tech industry talk show, marking its first media company acquisition; the show will report to OpenAI’s chief political operative, Chris Lehane.
- TBPN, hosted by former tech founders John Coogan and Jordi Hays, is a daily live show focusing on tech, business, AI, and defense, with a strong following among Silicon Valley insiders and notable tech CEOs.
- The show will maintain editorial independence and continue operating under its own brand, with OpenAI aiming to help scale TBPN’s reach and leverage the founders’ communication expertise to better explain AI’s impact.
- The acquisition raises questions due to OpenAI’s position as a leading AI lab and the involvement of Chris Lehane, known for political strategy and controversial policy influence, especially given TBPN’s history of discussing OpenAI and its competitors candidly.
- Both OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and TBPN founders emphasize that the acquisition is intended to enhance TBPN’s influence and impact without compromising its critical voice or editorial freedom.
