OpenAI paid $100 million for a talk show. James Murdoch is eyeing an even bigger deal. The hot new asset class is humanity
James Murdoch's Lupa Systems is in talks to acquire New York Magazine and the Vox Media podcast network for over $300 million. This move follows OpenAI's recent purchase of a tech talk show for more than $100 million, highlighting a trend in investing in human connection through media. Various business models are emerging around authenticity and creator-led content, focusing on monetizing fandom and community engagement.
- ▪Lupa Systems is reportedly in late-stage talks to acquire New York Magazine and the Vox Media podcast network for $300 million or more.
- ▪OpenAI paid more than $100 million for a daily tech talk show earlier this year.
- ▪The trend indicates a shift towards investing in human connection rather than traditional content acquisitions.
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James Murdoch’s investment firm Lupa Systems is reportedly in late-stage talks to acquire New York Magazine and the Vox Media podcast network for $300 million or more. The deal would bring these assets under the same umbrella as Lupa’s existing investments in the Tribeca Festival and Art Basel. The timing is not coincidental. Earlier this year, OpenAI paid more than $100 million for TBPN, a daily tech talk show generating roughly $5 million in annual revenue. Paramount Skydance acquired The Free Press — the newsletter and podcast business built around Bari Weiss — for roughly $150 million in late 2025 and then named her editor-in-chief of CBS News. Joe Rogan renewed with Spotify at a reported $250 million.
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