OpenAI buys tech talkshow TBPN in push to shape AI narrative

OpenAI’s chief of strategy says acquisition of show will help company engage with public about AI as it evolves OpenAI is wading into the media business by acquiring TBPN, a technology-focused talkshow closely watched by Silicon Valley insiders, its hosts said on Wednesday. Co-hosts John Coogan and Jordi Hays broadcast TBPN live for three hours every weekday from Los Angeles, lining up guests that include founders, venture capitalists and major figures in the technology world. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s chief of strategy, said in an internal message to staff that the acquisition would help the company engage more authentically with the public at a pivotal moment for artificial intelligence. “We’re driving a really big technological shift. And with the mission of bringing AGI to the world comes a responsibility to help create a space for a real, constructive conversation about the changes AI creates,” she wrote. Simo said TBPN “will continue to run their programming, choose their guests, and make their own editorial decisions. That’s foundational to their credibility, and it’s something we’re explicitly protecting as part of this agreeme