OpenAI, the artificial intelligence research company, has acquired the technology-focused talk show TBPN as part of a strategic move to expand its communication efforts and influence public discourse around AI. The deal was announced on April 2, 2026, with financial terms remaining undisclosed.
The Los Angeles-based show, hosted by John Coogan and Jordi Hays, will continue to operate with full editorial independence despite the ownership change. TBPN streams live for three hours each weekday, featuring interviews with high-profile founders, venture capitalists, and senior technology executives. Recent guests have included Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, Microsoft's Satya Nadella, and OpenAI's own Sam Altman, highlighting the show's access and influence within the tech ecosystem.
In an internal memo, OpenAI's Chief of Strategy, Fidji Simo, framed the acquisition as a response to the growing need for "real, constructive conversation" as AI systems become more deeply embedded in society. The company believes TBPN, with its track record in brand storytelling and close view of industry trends, can help create that dialogue while extending OpenAI's reach. Behind the scenes, the show is expected to contribute to OpenAI's broader communications and marketing strategy beyond its daily broadcasts.
The acquisition follows closely on the heels of OpenAI's massive $122 billion funding round, which was led by Amazon, Nvidia, and SoftBank. Since its founding in October 2024 and the start of daily livestreams in March 2025, TBPN has carved out a niche, drawing roughly 70,000 viewers per episode across platforms like X, YouTube, and Spotify. The show has positioned itself as more aligned with industry insider perspectives compared to traditional financial media outlets like Bloomberg or CNBC.
