Closing the last round of financing and obtaining another USD 122 billion. funds from investors, OpenAI was clearly excited. Although the artificial intelligence giant still has problems with profitability and was recently forced to close one of its services, it is constantly investing in new initiatives. Also those that have nothing directly to do with the models and infrastructure themselves… but they do influence the public perception of the company. Well, OpenAI has just announced that it has decided purchase and incorporate Technology Business Programming Network (TBPN) into its structures — a popular program hosted by John Coogan and Jordi Hays, which discusses news from the world of business and technology, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence. During the show lasting several hours, heads and directors of companies related to the industry are also invited.
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Despite the specialized subject matter, the reach of this format could be impressive – episodes broadcast daily on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube, reached tens of thousands of people more interested in AI.
On the X platform, the program's account attracted over 330,000 followers. followers, on Apple Podcasts it is the 7th most popular podcast in the “Technology” category in the US, and on Spotify – it is in 6th place. The YouTube channel is less popular and has approximately 60,000 views. subscribers. TBPN, operating since the end of 2024, has had a growing impact on the perception of individual tools and companies from the AI sector over recent months.
Media independence and OpenAI declarations
Fidji Simo, head of the applications department at OpenAI, wrote in a statement accompanying the acquisition announcement: “In connection with our activities, we are responsible for creating a space for a real, constructive conversation about the changes brought by AI. A conversation in which the creators and users of this technology are put at the center. And that is exactly what TBPN managed to build. That is why instead of trying to create something like this from scratch, we thought it would be much better to invite them to cooperatesupport their activities and help them grow.
At the same time, OpenAI assures that despite the takeover of the popular program, it will remain fully independent, and the company's management will not influence what content will appear in subsequent episodes. The statement reads: “TBPN will continue to independently manage its programming offer, select guests and make its own editorial decisions. This is the foundation of their credibility, which is why under this agreement we place particular emphasis on protecting their independence.”
Shortly after the takeover, Sam Altman also publicly commented on the matter, posting the following entry on the X platform:
TBPN's current viewers and listeners do not share this optimistic vision. Reaction to the announcement on social media and in live chats was overwhelmingly negative. Although there were congratulations for the creators themselves regarding the amount from the transaction that will go to them (it was not made public), most people predict that the OpenAI movement is primarily aimed at taking over the narrative around AI solutions in the market — not only regarding their products, but above all those created by the competition, which has recently simply overtaken OpenAI in many fields.
