One person close to OpenAI dismissed the idea that the deal was a distraction for a company competing against Google and Anthropic. “Researchers and engineers will not devote time to this and it’s not a new product, so it’s not a side quest,” they said.

TBPN averages about 70,000 viewers per daily episode and was on course to generate around $30 million in revenue this year, largely from advertising, before the deal, according to the person with knowledge of the terms.

OpenAI said TBPN would remain in Los Angeles and continue to be editorially independent, despite its new owners being among the most recognizable AI companies in the world and a competitor to a number of the talk show’s existing advertisers.

“While we’ve 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,” said Hays. “Moving from commentary to real impact in how this technology is distributed and understood globally is incredibly important to us.”

Hays and his team would report to OpenAI’s head of global affairs, Chris Lehane, and “help with marketing and communications at OpenAI but keep their editorial independence,” the company said.

Altman on Thursday posted on X: “I don’t expect [TBPN] to go any easier on us, am sure I’ll do my part to help enable that with occasional stupid decisions.”

The Wall Street Journal first reported that OpenAI was acquiring TBPN.

© 2026 The Financial Times Ltd. All rights reserved. Not to be redistributed, copied, or modified in any way.