Ronan Farrow on investigating OpenAI and Sam Altman, Misha Glenny, Bel Trew & Madhumita Murgia

The podcast explores the challenges of accountability journalism in the face of concentrated power within the tech industry, focusing on an investigation into Sam Altman, head of OpenAI, and his alleged integrity issues. It highlights the difficulties in getting tech insiders to speak out due to financial incentives and a lack of perceived obligation to participate in accountability. The discussion also covers the decline of local news and its impact on government oversight and environmental protection. Parallels are drawn between the power wielded by tech leaders today and historical figures like Martin Luther and the robber barons, with the key difference being the unprecedented scale of modern tech influence. The podcast further examines the geopolitical race between the US and China for control of technology and resources, as well as the impact of AI-generated misinformation on war reporting.