He’s back: Sam Altman and the chaos at the heart of the AI industry

24 November 2023 - 30 mins
Podcast Series Today in Focus

The CEO of OpenAI was sacked and then rehired days later, after staff threatened to follow him. But what does this corporate drama tell us about the future of AI? Blake Montgomery explains. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

30 mins

Series Episodes

Could the AI bubble burst after Democrats’ midterms sweep? – The Latest Playing

Could the AI bubble burst after Democrats’ midterms sweep? – The Latest

Global tech stocks have plunged after the Democrats’ victory in the US midterm elections, with fears of a slowdown in AI development. Major tech corporations including Apple, Tesla and Nvidia shed about $1tn in a single trading session. Is this stock market jitters, or a sign the AI bubble might be about to burst? Lucy Hough speaks to senior economics correspondent Richard Partington – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

12 mins

6 November Finished

The crimes of Russell Brand Playing

The crimes of Russell Brand

explicit

In the decades he’s spent on our screens, Russell Brand’s been a comedian, an actor, a presenter and a political anarchist. Now he has been convicted of rape and sexual assaults. Emine Sinmaz reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

35 mins

6 November Finished

Will the UK finally pay slavery reparations? – The Latest Playing

Will the UK finally pay slavery reparations? – The Latest

Andy Burnham has asked countries affected by Britain’s role in slavery to help shape a formal apology through a ‘structured dialogue’. During the prime minister’s visit to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, Downing Street said affected countries would play an indispensable role in crafting an enduring message. Though the plans for talks were received positively, the British government is still ruling out the idea of paying reparations, which for decades campaigners have been calling for. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s Caribbean correspondent, Natricia Duncan – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

11 mins

5 November Finished

Trump has been humbled. Now what? Playing

Trump has been humbled. Now what?

Journalist Molly Ball reports from Washington DC after the Republicans’ resounding midterms defeat. Will the party finally distance itself from Donald Trump? And what will the Democrats do with the power they’ve just gained? Send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

27 mins

5 November Finished

Democrats’ triumph deals devastating blow to Trump - The Latest Playing

Democrats’ triumph deals devastating blow to Trump - The Latest

Democrats have won a historic sweep in the US midterm elections, winning back control of Congress in a major setback for Donald Trump. Senate seats went blue in traditional Republican strongholds such as Texas, South Carolina and Kansas, where the Democrats had their first win since 1932. Voters have sent a strong message of discontent to the Trump administration over the economy, the cost of living and rising gas prices. Trump is now a lame-duck president for the rest of his term. Lucy Hough speaks to our Washington editor, Ankita Rao – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

13 mins

4 November Finished

Kim Jong-un, crypto bros and a $6.3bn heist Playing

Kim Jong-un, crypto bros and a $6.3bn heist

North Korea is said to be behind the theft from the crypto exchange Binance. How did they pull it off and what will they do with the money? Kalyeena Makortoff and Jean H Lee report. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

25 mins

4 November Finished

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