Artificial intelligence powerhouse OpenAI has successfully acquired the Technology Business Programming Network, known as TBPN, a media startup specializing in a daily online talk show focused on Silicon Valley and financial news. This strategic move, announced by OpenAI's applications CEO Fidji Simo, aims to cultivate meaningful dialogue about the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Simo emphasized the importance of maintaining TBPN's editorial independence, ensuring its team retains full control over guest selection and content decisions, thereby preserving its credibility as a platform for open and constructive conversations surrounding AI's impact and development. This acquisition underscores OpenAI's commitment to facilitating a broad understanding of AI technologies among builders and the public alike.
OpenAI's Strategic Move: Embracing Dialogue with TBPN Acquisition
In a significant development on April 2, 2026, artificial intelligence titan OpenAI officially announced its acquisition of TBPN (Technology Business Programming Network), a dynamic media startup recognized for its daily talk show centered on the tech industry and finance. The show, which has been streaming online for approximately a year, has garnered a considerable following for its insightful discussions.
Fidji Simo, the chief executive of applications at OpenAI, conveyed the importance of this acquisition in an internal memo to staff. Simo praised TBPN for establishing a unique platform where daily conversations about AI and its innovators naturally unfold, noting that many OpenAI employees already rely on it to stay abreast of industry developments. She further reassured that OpenAI is committed to upholding TBPN's editorial autonomy, allowing its team to independently choose guests and shape editorial content. This commitment is seen as fundamental to maintaining TBPN's credibility.
Addressing the rationale behind a major tech company acquiring a smaller media entity, Simo elaborated on OpenAI's unique position in driving a significant technological transformation. She highlighted the company's responsibility to foster genuine and constructive conversations about the changes brought by AI, with a focus on technology creators and users. Instead of trying to replicate TBPN's established success, OpenAI opted to acquire it to support its mission and facilitate its growth, while carefully preserving the distinctive qualities that make it valuable.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, who has previously appeared as a guest on TBPN, publicly endorsed the acquisition via a tweet. He expressed his admiration for TBPN as his favorite tech show and his desire for it to continue its excellent work, even jesting about not expecting them to be any less critical of OpenAI. TBPN, comprising 11 employees, initiated its live talk show stream in March 2025. It reportedly attracts an average of 70,000 viewers per episode across various platforms. The Wall Street Journal reported that TBPN was profitable in 2025, generating around $5 million in ad revenue, with projections to exceed $30 million in 2026.
TBPN will operate under OpenAI's strategy organization, reporting to Chris Lehane, the chief global affairs officer. Jordi Hays, co-founder and co-host of TBPN, shared in a statement his enthusiasm for the acquisition. He noted TBPN's comprehensive coverage of the tech ecosystem, including OpenAI, and commended Sam Altman and his team for their openness to feedback. Hays emphasized their commitment to transitioning from merely commenting on technology to actively influencing how it is disseminated and understood globally. John Coogan, the other host, reflected on his long-standing professional relationship with Altman, dating back to 2013 when Altman funded his first company. Coogan also recalled Altman being the first AI lab leader to appear on their show last year, expressing gratitude for the journey and excitement for future endeavors with increased resources.
The daily live tech talk show, hosted by Hays and Coogan, airs weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT. It is accessible across a wide array of platforms including X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, LinkedIn, Substack, and Instagram. A New York Times profile from October 2025 characterized their commentary as "boosterish" regarding the tech and business worlds. Initially, the show was called “Technology Brothers,” a nod to the informal term “tech bros.” The acquisition saw TBPN represented by the law firm Eisner LLP.
The acquisition of TBPN by OpenAI marks a significant moment in the intersection of technology development and media. It underscores a growing recognition within leading tech companies of the need for transparent, engaging, and critical discourse around the technologies they create. By integrating a credible media voice like TBPN, OpenAI is not just expanding its outreach but is also actively investing in shaping public understanding and ethical discussions about AI. This move could serve as a model for other tech giants to engage more deeply with public education and conversation, ensuring that the rapid advancements in AI are accompanied by thoughtful reflection and widespread comprehension of their implications. It highlights the evolving landscape where technological innovation and responsible communication become inextricably linked, urging a more proactive approach from industry leaders in fostering informed public dialogue.
