Synopsis
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is acquiring popular podcast The Best Possible Node (TBPN) to improve AI's public image, calling it a poorly marketed technology. Altman praised TBPN's ability to explain complex AI concepts accessibly and without hype. The podcast will retain editorial independence, reporting to OpenAI's global affairs chief, and will also aid the company's communications and marketing efforts.Speaking to Axios cofounder Mike Allen about the deal, Altman said TBPN makes complex AI developments accessible to a wider audience without resorting to hype. “Those guys do the best and most interesting job of covering what’s happening in AI in a way people understand and relate to,” he said. “They’re fun, not sensationalist, go into real levels of technical depth, and it resonates with people, with the community of developers and builders.”
Altman reiterated that the podcast’s editorial independence will be maintained, while also acknowledging the importance of public trust if individuals associated with major tech firms start funding or supporting media outlets. “The world’s got to trust that they will continue to cover the industry fairly,” he said.
The OpenAI CEO noted that while he doesn’t yet have a specific role in mind for TBPN yet but the team’s talent for communication could be important in helping reshape public perception of OpenAI. “They’re genius marketers, and I would love to have better marketing,” Altman said. “If AI were a political candidate, it would be the least popular one in history. And given the amazing things AI can do, there’s got to be better marketing for AI.”
The ChatGPT maker confirmed the deal on Friday without divulging any details. “TBPN will continue to run their programming, choose their guests, and make their own editorial decisions. That’s foundational to their credibility, and it’s something we’re explicitly protecting as part of this agreement,” OpenAI said in a blog post.
The show will report to Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer, and also assist with the company’s communications and marketing outside of the programme.
Although its audience is relatively small, the show has become popular among Silicon Valley executives. Guests have included Meta Platforms’ Mark Zuckerberg, Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, and Altman.
