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OpenAI Acquires Tech Talk Show TBPN: WSJ

OpenAI declined to disclose the terms of the transaction, but maintained that TBPB will retain its editorial independence.
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Apr 2, 20261 min read

According to new reporting published by The Wall Street Journal, OpenAI is making a fresh bet on media, acquiring tech talk show TBPN.

What's the Scoop?

  • Betting on News: Per The Wall Street Journal, ChatGPT creator OpenAI has acquired TBPN, a tech-focused talk show built around news and executive interviews that has surged in popularity since landing a breakout interview with Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg last September.
  • Deal Specifics: OpenAI declined to disclose the terms of the transaction. Under the deal, TBPN will reportedly wind down its existing advertising business, transitioning to support OpenAI's "company communications and marketing" under the direction of Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane. Still, OpenAI maintains that TBPN will remain editorially independent, retaining control over its programming, editorial decisions, guest selection and production schedule.
  • Fast-Growing Show: Although TBPN's viewership remains modest at ~70k viewers per episode, the show punches above its weight, frequently securing interviews with high-profile guests including Microsoft’s Satya Nadella and OpenAI’s Sam Altman. The show generated ~$5.0M in 2025 revenue and is reportedly on pace to gross more than $30.0M this year.

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