What to know about OpenAI’s surprise acquisition of TBPN

In October 2024, two entrepreneurs launched a tech news podcast. Eighteen months later, OpenAI just bought it. The ChatGPT maker announced Thursday it has purchased TBPN (Technology Business Programming Network) for an undisclosed sum, bringing the tech world’s buzziest podcast into the AI company’s fold.  TBPN is run by Jordi Hays and John Coogan, founder of VC party and cofounder of Soylent, respectively. Here’s what to know about the deal: How will this arrangement be structured? The announcement makes a big claim, stating that TBPN will maintain “editorial independence.” This separation will give the podcasters space to make editorial decisions, run their programming, and choose their guests. Open AI CEO Sam Altman has previously appeared on the show.  “TBPN is my favorite tech show,” Altman wrote on X following the news. “We want them to keep that going and for them to do what they do so well. “I don’t expect them to go any easier on us, am sure I’ll do