qwant news | Sam Altman Calls TBPN Hosts ’Genius Marketers,’ Vows Editorial Independence for Tech Talk Show | Video OpenAI CEO Sam Altman praised TBPN’s co‑hosts, Jordi Hays and John Coogan, calling them “genius marketers” during an Axios interview about the company’s acquisition of the popular tech‑talk show. Altman highlighted the hosts’ ability to explain AI in a relatable yet technically deep way that resonates with developers and the broader community. He emphasized that the show is “fun, not sensationalist,” and that its clear communication helps the public understand the rapid developments in artificial intelligence. The acquisition, reported by the Financial Times to be valued in the low hundreds of millions of dollars, positions OpenAI firmly in the media space and is intended to strengthen the firm’s communications and marketing apparatus. Altman assured that the TBPN team will report to chief global affairs officer Chris Lehane but will “completely maintain their independence,” acknowledging concerns that a tech company might influence editorial content. He warned that past examples of tech‑owned media sometimes erode trust, and he wants the show to remain a harsh, fair critic of the industry, including OpenAI itself. Altman also reiterated his belief that AI needs better marketing, noting the public’s skepticism despite the technology’s impressive capabilities. In a follow‑up X post, he described TBPN as his “favorite tech show” and promised to support it while allowing the hosts to make “occasional stupid decisions.” The move reflects OpenAI’s broader strategy to minimize internal “side quests” and focus on clear, trustworthy communication about AI advancements. Read more: https://www.thewrap.com/industry-news/tech/openai-ceo-sam-altman-tbpn-deal/ #samaltman #openai #tbpn #ai