OpenAI takes on another “side quest,” buys tech-focused talk show TBPN

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks during the Microsoft Build conference at the Seattle Convention Center Summit Building in Seattle, Washington on May 21, 2024. (Photo by Jason Redmond / AFP) Credit: Getty Images | Jason Redmond/AFP

OpenAI has struck a deal to acquire TBPN, a technology-focused talk show popular in Silicon Valley, making an unexpected move into broadcasting after pledging to abandon “side quests” and focus on its core business.

The ChatGPT maker had purchased the 11-person company in a “low hundreds of millions of dollars” deal, according to a person with knowledge of the terms.

TBPN, or Technology Business Programming Network, has acquired a devoted following among start-up founders and their investors since its launch in October 2024.

Co-hosts and self-styled “technology brothers” Jordi Hays and John Coogan have interviewed Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and OpenAI founder Sam Altman, becoming a fixture at tech conferences.

Fidji Simo, who runs OpenAI ...