To give someone their flowers means to celebrate them while they can still receive it; to say out loud what is too often left unsaid.
Radio is a competitive business. It always has been. The fight for ratings, revenue, and talent is real, and it never really stops. But for all of that, something else runs underneath this industry: a current of mentorship, mutual respect, and genuine admiration that doesn’t show up on any ranker.
In our April issue, Radio Ink asked the Top 20 Leaders in Radio which fellow industry leader they admire most and why. What came back wasn’t rivalry. It was flowers:
“From my earlier days in ownership, Don [Curtis] has been a special mentor to me in many ways, and I’ve learned more about the business from him than anyone.”
“I always smile when I hear Julie Talbott’s team talk about her. She is clearly an incredible person to work for, is a great industry leader, serves on numerous boards, and makes everyone who walks into a room feel like they are the most important person there.”
“Mike Hulvey. Right guy, right place, right time. He can speak the language of the big companies like iHeart and the independent broadcasters. Passionate beyond comprehension for our industry.”
Curious about who said what and what the full 20 had to say? Radio Ink’s next issue arrives April 13. Click HERE to subscribe today. Going to NAB Show 2026? Pick up your complimentary copy at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
