RAIN Notes: January 7

From CES

The redoubtable CES warriors at Jacobs Media are at the event, and Chris Brunt is managing coverage with Observations From CES 2026: Day One. (HERE). He thoughtfully lays out “Key Themes” for those without time for the accompanying video. Those themes include “The Connected Car,” which will not be a surprise to any longtime follower of the Jacobs’ historic and ongoing exploration of in-car listening. Also AI, of course, voice technology, and Green Tech. He concludes with “Strategic Advice for Broadcasters,” which contains three key points. See them HERE. https://jacobsmedia.com/observations-from-ces-2026-day-one/

 

UMG and Nvidia AI partnership

Music label giant Universal Music Group (UMG) has begun a collaboration with tech/AI firm Nvidia to pioneer what the project calls “responsible AI.” The point is more advanced music discovery, creating, and listener engagement. UMG brings themusic and Nvidia brings the tech, including its most recent six new chips which go into a new super computer — that project is called the NVIDIA Rubin platform. (The company is inconsistent in the capitalization of its brand; we follow along.) There is another point to the alliance: Protecting the work of artists and ensuring “proper attribution” of music ownership

 

Driving the next chapter

Public relations and communications expert Molly DeMellier has joined Sounds Profitable as Head of Communications. She will oversee comms for SP and its parent company Podcast Movement. She will handle all communications functions including media relations, marketing, external storytelling, and internal communications. DeMellier’s purview includes overseeing event execution at industry festivals including SXSW and Cannes Lions. From Bryan Barletta, President of Podcast Movement: “Molly’s experience building narratives in podcasting as well as across major entertainment and tech brands makes her the ideal leader to drive this next chapter.” DeMellier filled PR positions at podcast Behemoth Acast, leaving her final role as Director of Marketing and Public Relations last May. She leaves her position as Chief Operating Officer of Sundaze PR. 

January 7

---