OpenAI Expands into Media by Acquiring Streaming Series TBPN
OpenAI Expands Its Footprint in Entertainment with TBPN Acquisition
OpenAI is making significant strides into the entertainment sector with its recent acquisition of the streaming business TBPN, a platform likened to a blend of SportsCenter and LinkedIn.
The announcement was made by Fidji Simo, head of products at the Sam Altman-led OpenAI, through a blog post detailing the strategic importance of this acquisition.
"TBPN has built something pretty special. It’s one of the places where the conversation about AI and builders is actually happening day to day," Simo stated. "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 the mission of bringing AGI to the world 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 center. That’s exactly what TBPN has built. So rather than trying to recreate that ourselves, it made a lot of sense to bring them in, support what they’re doing, and help them scale—while keeping what makes them special."
Hosted by Jordi Hays and John Coogan, TBPN has featured high-profile interviews with notable figures such as Mark Zuckerberg, Sam Altman, and James Cameron.
The show offers real-time commentary on the day’s significant business stories and engages in in-depth discussions with leading founders, executives, and cultural icons. Hays and Coogan present executive developments similarly to ESPN’s coverage of NFL free agency, employing graphics and an interactive live audience chat.
Launched in 2024, TBPN transitioned to a live daily format in January 2025, with episodes available on YouTube and X, in addition to an audio version.
Moving forward, TBPN will report to Chris Lehane, Chief Global Affairs Officer at OpenAI. Hays, co-founder and co-host of TBPN, expressed optimism about the alliance, stating, "Over the past year, we’ve had a front-row seat not just to OpenAI, but to the entire ecosystem, covering the daily news, announcements, and launches in real time. 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."
