OpenAI Buys Tech Podcast TBPN for Hundreds of Millions

OpenAI has acquired TBPN, a popular weekday tech podcast hosted by entrepreneurs Jordi Hays and John Coogan, for a price reportedly in the "low hundreds of millions of dollars." The podcast, which launched in late 2024 and expects over $30 million in advertising revenue this year, has frequently covered OpenAI and featured CEO Sam Altman. OpenAI's Fidji Simo stated TBPN will retain editorial independence, though observers are skeptical. Beyond media reach, OpenAI appears motivated by the team's marketing expertise as the company prepares to launch consumer hardware products, including a smart speaker expected in early 2027.