OpenAI decides the best way to fight critical AI coverage is to own a newsroom

OpenAI has acquired TBPN, a daily-broadcast show with episodes typically 20–60 minutes long.

TBPN's YouTube view counts are in the low four- to five-digit range, while the Wall Street Journal reports about 70,000 average viewers per episode across platforms.

TBPN brought in roughly $5 million in ad revenue in 2025 and its eleven-person team projects revenue to top $30 million in 2026; the acquisition will see TBPN's ad business shut down.

OpenAI says TBPN will remain editorially independent and keep control over programming, guests, and content, but the show will report to OpenAI's head of communications, Chris Lehane, will help with marketing and communications, and OpenAI will pay salaries and can replace staff.

OpenAI frames the purchase as a way to foster a constructive conversation about AI amid heavy public criticism of the company; CEO Sam Altman commented on the potential impact.