OpenAI purchases online tech talk show TBPN

OpenAI said the purchase will be part of its strategy to further the conversation on the changes brought about by artificial intelligence.

OpenAI, in what is being described as an unusual move, is set to purchase the Technology Business Programming Network (TBPN), a daily, live tech talk show hosted by Jordi Hays and John Coogan, that often features high-profile tech leaders and entrepreneurs. OpenAI 

OpenAI’s chief executive officer of applications Fidji Simo said: “As I’ve been thinking about the future of how we communicate at OpenAI, one thing that’s become clear is that the standard communications playbook just doesn’t apply to us. We’re not a typical company.

“We’re driving a really big technological shift. And with our mission to ensure artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity comes a responsibility to help create a space for a real, constructive conversation about the changes AI creates, with builders and people using the technology at the centre.”

While the full details of the deal have yet to be disclosed, OpenAI said the TBPN team will maintain editorial independence and make decisions on their guests and programming. According to the Wall Street Journal, TBPN stated that it generated $5m in advertising revenue last year and is on track to exceed $30m in revenue in 2026.

However, an OpenAI spokesperson told Bloomberg that the platform is not aiming to make TBPN a money-making enterprise. 

In a statement, Hays expressed excitement at the venture, while making note of the importance of a strong partnership where both parties work as a team to communicate change and innovation in the AI and tech spaces. 

He said: “While we’ve been critical of the industry at times, after getting to know Sam and the OpenAI team, what stood out most was their openness to feedback and commitment to getting this right. Moving from commentary to real impact in how this technology is distributed and understood globally is incredibly important to us.”

Earlier this week OpenAI closed a larger than expected funding round in which it raised $122bn, exceeding the projected figure of $110bn. Part of that funding is expected to be put towards the scale and growth of the platform’s AI technologies and research, in line with current global demands. 

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