OpenAI Acquires TBPN, Expanding into Tech Broadcasting

Original: OpenAI takes on another "side quest," buys tech-focused talk show TBPN

Ars Technica•Apr 3, 20262 min

In a Nutshell

OpenAI has acquired the Technology Business Programming Network (TBPN), a popular tech-focused talk show in Silicon Valley, for a deal reportedly in the low hundreds of millions of dollars. This move comes despite previous commitments to focus on its core business, reflecting a growing interest in the intersection of AI and technology discussions.

Key Points

01OpenAI has acquired TBPN, a tech-focused talk show, for a deal in the low hundreds of millions.
02TBPN has gained popularity among start-up founders and investors since its launch in October 2024.
03Co-hosts Jordi Hays and John Coogan have interviewed notable figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Sam Altman.
04OpenAI's product head, Fidji Simo, emphasized the importance of TBPN in AI discussions.
05The acquisition marks a shift from OpenAI's earlier focus on avoiding 'side quests' in its business strategy.

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Full Summary

OpenAI has made a strategic acquisition of the Technology Business Programming Network (TBPN), a tech talk show that has gained traction in Silicon Valley since its launch in October 2024. The deal, valued in the low hundreds of millions of dollars, allows OpenAI to tap into TBPN's established audience of start-up founders and investors. Co-hosts Jordi Hays and John Coogan have become well-known figures in the tech community, having interviewed influential personalities such as Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and OpenAI's own founder Sam Altman. Fidji Simo, who oversees OpenAI's product initiatives, highlighted TBPN as a vital platform for ongoing discussions about artificial intelligence and its impact on technology builders. This acquisition appears to contrast with OpenAI's previous commitment to focus on its main business lines, such as ChatGPT and coding tools, as Simo had previously urged staff to avoid distractions from 'side quests.'

Key Figures