OpenAI has acquired TBPN, the Technology Business Programming Network, a popular Silicon Valley talk show among founders, investors, and executives since its launch in March 2025. This acquisition marks OpenAI’s first media company purchase. TBPN will be part of OpenAI’s strategy organization and will report to Chris Lehane, chief global affairs officer. The show, hosted by former tech founders John Coogan and Jordi Hays, airs daily on YouTube and X, covering topics such as tech, business, AI, and defense. It averages around 70,000 viewers per episode and has featured influential guests like Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and Sam Altman.
In 2025, the show generated approximately $5 million in advertising revenue and is on track to exceed $30 million this year, according to the Wall Street Journal. Sponsors include fintech firms Ramp and Plaid, Google’s Gemini division, and the New York Stock Exchange. TBPN, which has 11 employees, claims it is profitable.
OpenAI’s CEO of Applications, Fidji Simo, announced the acquisition internally, highlighting TBPN as a focal point for AI and builder conversations. OpenAI promises to maintain TBPN’s editorial independence, allowing the team to independently choose guests and make editorial decisions. Sam Altman, who has appeared on the show, expressed his support for the acquisition and emphasized maintaining its integrity.
The acquisition brings editorial independence questions, with TBPN reporting to Lehane, a political operative known for press narrative management. The show has covered OpenAI and its competitors, and this dynamic will continue under the new ownership. Coogan mentioned his long-standing connection with Altman, with Altman backing his first company in 2013. The effectiveness of the promised editorial independence will be observed over time.