A person close to OpenAI rejected the idea that the deal was a distraction for the company competing against Google and Anthropic. “Researchers and engineers will not spend time on this and it is not a new product, so it is not an additional discovery,” he said.
TBPN averages about 70,000 viewers per daily episode and, before the deal, was set to generate about $30 million in revenue this year, primarily from advertising, according to a person with knowledge of the terms.
OpenAI said TBPN will remain based in Los Angeles and remain editorially independent, despite its new owners being one of the most recognized AI companies in the world and competitors to many talk shows’ existing advertisers.
“While we have 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,” Hayes said. “It is incredibly important for us to move from commentary to real impact on how this technology is distributed and understood globally.”
Hayes and his team will report to Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s head of global affairs, and “will help with marketing and communications at OpenAI but maintain their editorial independence,” the company said.
Altman posted on X on Thursday: “I hope not [TBPN] For anything to be easy with us, I’m sure I’ll play my part in enabling it with my occasionally foolish decisions.
The Wall Street Journal first reported that OpenAI was acquiring TBPN.
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