OpenAI announced its acquisition."TBPN"An emerging online technology talk show rapidly growing in Silicon Valley, citing the core reason for integrating TBPN into the organization as creating a space for constructive AI conversations, leveraging TBPN’s strong content and community.
However, the deal’s valuation was not disclosed, prompting speculation that OpenAI may be pursuing a Narrative Control strategy—an effort to shape global AI discourse to communicate with users and investors on its terms.
TBPN or Technology Business Programming Network, is a daily news and podcast program founded in 2024 by John Coogan and Jordi Hays. Its hallmark is minute-by-minute live analysis of business and technology news, similar to Bloomberg and CNBC but with a more accessible tone and stronger affinity for the tech community.
Within just one year, TBPN distinguished itself as an insider media outlet, delivering fast, accurate content rich with insights unavailable from general media, earning the nickname "the SportsCenter of the technology industry." It creates engaging discussions for followers of the tech sector.
TBPN has succeeded in attracting interviews with global founders and CEOs such as Mark Zuckerberg, Satya Nadella, and Sam Altman, and rapidly secured sponsorships from major brands including fintech companies, AI platforms, and capital market partners.
TBPN’s success stems chiefly from its two founders who also serve as hosts, blending two worlds: "the technology world" and "the media world."
John Coogan is a Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur who co-founded Soylent, a food startup, and previously developed biotech and consumer tech companies. With a founder’s mindset, he understands entrepreneurs deeply and can analyze business and revenue models thoroughly, bringing a "Pro-Builder" and "Pro-Capitalism" perspective to the show.
Meanwhile, Jordi Hays founded media and branding companies including Capital and Branded Native, specializing in content creation, storytelling, and audience building. He deeply understands audience needs and how to create engaging, memorable content.
This combination allows TBPN to produce credible yet entertaining and viral news analysis, building an audience ranging from tech billionaires, executives, investors, and entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley to general technology users.
Financially, though TBPN remains a small lean media company with a team of about ten, it generated $5 million in revenue its first year from advertising and sponsorship models, with projections to exceed $30 million by 2026.
OpenAI has affirmed TBPN will maintain "editorial independence." Nonetheless, as OpenAI faces significant scrutiny over safety and monopoly concerns, owning its own media outlet may enable it to shape communication frameworks as it sees fit.
This aligns with prior statements from Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s CEO of Applications, who said OpenAI needs a space for constructive AI dialogue because traditional communication methods don’t work for a company unlike any other. Moreover, TBPN’s influence among technology leaders and industry shapers offers OpenAI a valuable channel to convey its vision for driving transformative technological change.
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Sources CNBC , Wall Street Journal , Forbes
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