Benson High School

There is hardly a station in Portland, radio or television, that hasn't employed a KBPS graduate.  Numerous KBPS grads have gone on to work at stations and broadcast networks across the country and around the world, or put their talents to use elsewhere in the entertainment industry. 

Here are just a few…

Aminé graduated from the KBPS Broadcasting program in 2012. KBPS is where he learned audio content creation. The above picture was taken during the "Becoming Aminé" video filming in the KBPS Broadcast Center. Aminé's hit song, Caroline peaked at #3 on the Billboard Rhythmic Chart and #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart in 2016.

Joel David Moore

Joel David Moore has appeared in numerous television and movie projects since his graduation from Benson High School in 1995. TV credits include Hawaii Five-O, LAX, CSI, The Guardian, Strong Medicine, Six Feet Under, Angel,  Providence, Boomtown, Boston Public, House, Bones and Medium.  Movie projects include “Dodgeball” and the James Cameron blockbuster “Avatar” as Avatar pilot Norm Spellman.  Moore also starred alongside Katy Perry in her music video for "Waking Up in Vegas" 

Joel on his KBPS experience:

"KBPS is the first place I found my voice.  I went to Benson at a time where there was no acting program, and I knew I wanted to get into performance in some way.  I found that in KBPS radio, where I trained my voice, and was able to be creative putting together shows to host, using different voices, characters, and having fun. The program provides a strong platform for an opportunity to step into the world of performance, from talk shows to Hollywood.  Thanks KBPS!"

Interview with Kevin Flink on the Radio Survivor Podcast

Wilson High class of ’71 (KBPS sportscaster 68-71)
BA in communications (broadcast Journalism) Washington State University 75
Radio Broadcasting Teacher Benson High School 1975-2007
KBPS Operations Manager 2012-2019.

Public address Announcer: Wilson High school, gymnastics, basketball, football, baseball, track, Benson High school, basketball, football, Grant High school basketball.
PIL District events: beginning in 1980: Cross Country, Swimming, Wrestling, Dance Drill, Track and Field, Basketball, Football.
OSAA State events announced: Dance/drill, Cheerleading, Swimming, Basketball, Soccer, Football
Portland State University Sports : Football, Women's Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Softball
Pacific University Sports: Mens and women's basketball

Professional Organizations: Portland Beavers 2009-10 Including the AAA all-star game in 2009, Portland Timbers 2008-present, 2014 MLS All-star game, Portland Thorns

 Recognition: 2018 OSAA NFHS Recognition of Service and Contribution in support of the OSAA and High School Athletics and Activities. 2002 Oregon District 4 Little league community volunteer of the year.

Jonathan is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Baseballism Inc. and has been instrumental in the company’s rapid growth. Jonathan has been responsible for the launch of 8 retail locations around the country at such marquee locations as Fenway Park and Wrigley Field.  Jonathan’s greatest pride comes from the fact that Baseballism’s success has allowed the business to donate more $500K in product and cash to baseball organizations, teams, and charities around the world. Jonathan lives in Portland with his wife, son and daughter. He spends his weekends coaching his son’s youth baseball team.

"During my time at KBPS, I learned important skills that I have continued to use throughout my life and career.  KBPS provided me with the opportunity to develop my communication and broadcast skills.  Additionally, and more importantly, KBPS offered me a leadership role that was incredibly important to my development. During my senior year, I was the Chief of Staff for KBPS.  In this role, I worked with other leaders to develop station content, manage production and lead class projects. The leadership skills that I learned back then continue to translate into my professional career today. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity I was given at KBPS. Kevin and Steve were role models for me during my time at KBPS and it is no coincidence that KBPS has thrived for decades under their leadership."

Bruce Murdock - KBPS 1970	Bruce Murdock - Mornings K103 / Portland

"I had wanted nothing but to be on the radio since I was 8 and I my radio career was over before it began.

I got to the final cut in the 1967 Student Sportscaster Auditions and – didn’t make it. As I was slinking down the stairs – a failure at age 14 – the voice of Station Manager Dr. Patricia Swenson called me back. “We have another opportunity for you” she offered, beginning my time on the student operating staff at KBPS. I was on the staff at KBPS for all four years of high school and stayed on as a paid staff member for a couple of years after that.

The excellent training KBPS offered made it possible for me to get part-time work at several Portland stations and by 1977 I was doing the “Murdock In The Morning” show with John Erickson on 62KGW when I got transferred to Seattle where I stayed for 30 years. K103 brought me back to Portland when Craig Walker retired.

It’s great to be back on the morning radio in my hometown and it’s great to see that KBPS is still training broadcasters at The Voice Of The Portland Public Schools." Bruce retired from K103 in 2019.

Rick Taylor - KBPS 1975	Taylor Swift & Rick "Bubba" Taylor

I started at KBPS my freshman year at Benson Polytechnic High School and discovered my passion for radio at an early age. I became the 2nd student to major in KBPS broadcasting. This would be the foundation for my 44-year radio career in the Rose City and gave me an opportunity to work for some of the largest broadcast companies in the world and work with some of today's biggest artists. After a wonderful career in Portland radio, I retired briefly when the opportunity came up to return to where it all started and become the Operations Manger of my high school station. "Thank you 1450 AM KBPS for helping this little kid from S.E. Portland achieve his huge radio broadcast dream!"

(Below are some audio examples of my work under air-names Rick Shaw & Rick Bubba Taylor)

Click here to listen to Rick Shaw KPAM

Click here to listen to Rick "Bubba" Taylor.

Scott Tom - 106.7FM, The Eagle

“I’ve been on the radio in Portland for more than 30 years. Currently I am on the air afternoons at 106.7 The Eagle, a iHeart Media radio station. KBPS was a program I discovered when I was a sophomore at Benson Polytechnic High School. I received a quality college level radio education while still attending high school. KBPS helped me with my public speaking, the technical aspects of radio and allowed me to feel the adrenaline rush of cracking a “LIVE” microphone. Once I went on the air live on KBPS I was hooked. KBPS gave me a sense of direction that usually takes most people years to discover. After my extraordinary education at KBPS they assisted me with job search connections and maintained contact with me over the years almost like a family member. In fact, that is how I see KBPS even now, as family.”

Matt Jones -- iHeartMedia Portland Production Director

"Although I was only involved in the radio program at KBPS for one school year, I learned a great deal about the broadcast industry in that short amount of time.  Being at KBPS gave me my first exposure to “real” broadcast equipment.  I learned how to thread a reel-to-reel my first day there. (Of course, we don’t use reels anymore, but my point is, that a very relevant skill – at that time – was taught right from the start).  I learned how to properly run a broadcast console, and how to work as a team with my fellow students to put a program together.  The instructors know their stuff, and they teach with great patience.  Kevin Flink was truly a saint, dealing with us newbies.  He made the whole experience very enjoyable.  I looked forward to learning something new each day.

My time at KBPS was definitely a catalyst in helping me advance in the radio industry.  I have now spent over 25 years working in radio – and all of it right here in Portland, and I’ve loved each and every day of my career!

Thank you, KBPS!"

John started working at All Classical Portland in 1983, just a few months after graduating from Benson Polytechnic High School and KBPS Radio. 1983 was also the same year that 89.9 FM began broadcasting with the call letters, KBPS-FM. John is currently Program Director at All Classical Portland, KQAC.

Jacob - Benson Class of 2006	KBPS Students at OAB with CNN Anchor Aaron Brown

"My career in radio broadcasting and media production all started at KBPS. As a KBPS student, I learned and worked in an environment with state-of-the-art equipment and industry professional instructors that prepared me for success in the real world. KBPS provided me part-time employment during summers on their Summer Sound program to further my skills as a broadcaster. KBPS also gave us amazing learning opportunities like attending the Oregon Association of Broadcasters conference, and Amber Alert training for radio personnel. I was able to demonstrate the skills I learned from KBPS in SkillsUSA competitions and became part of the first SkillsUSA national gold medal winning team from KBPS during my senior year in 2006. KBPS launched me into various jobs including producing a nationally syndicated radio and tv program in Washington, D.C. as well as being the Editor and Content Manager for the morning news program on a top station in Portland. I’m forever thankful and grateful for the opportunities I had at KBPS.

Carla Castaño - Reporter - KOIN 6

Carla Castaño is a three-time Emmy nominated Investigative Reporter. Her investigations have resulted in law changes at the state, county and city levels. Carla has also won several awards for Breaking News, Hard News, Spot News, Continuing Coverage and Team Coverage from the Associated Press and Society of Professional Journalists as well as Best Reporter while in Austin, Texas.

Formerly on the KOIN 6 Investigative Team Carla is constantly getting results for the community and once she starts digging on a story, she doesn’t stop.

An investigation resulted in tens of thousands of dollars being refunded to several seniors being preyed on by a business. Later, the state deemed the business predatory and the agency launched their own investigation into the company unfairly overcharging the elderly customers for unneeded work.

Carla’s investigation on another story helped restore police service to a rural town.

These are just a few example of the ambitious commitment Carla Castaño has to serving her community through her dedication to reporting.

She graduated from Portland State University with honors and studied abroad at La Universidad de la Habana in Cuba. Carla is a Benson High School graduate and majored in KBPS radio while there. Carla is a big believer KBPS played a critical role in her success in pursuing her dream to becoming an investigative reporter. Carla continues to support KBPS and believes the opportunity it gives students across the Portland-area who are interested in broadcasting is irreplaceable.

KCBY in Coos Bay was Carla’s first paid on-air TV job. She also shot and edited her own stories.

After two years, she moved to Eugene and worked as a reporter at KVAL for the next three years.

In 2007, Carla ventured off to the capital of Texas where she took a reporting position at KXAN. In Austin, she was quickly promoted to the lead crime and courts reporter. At KXAN Carla had the opportunity to cover big national stories including the Fort Hood story, the impact of hurricanes Ike and Gustav as well as the plane attack on an IRS building.

After three years in Austin, Carla was offered a position at KOIN 6 News.

Frank Lenzi - Morning News Editor KOMO Seattle

I started my radio career at KBPS in 1991. I caught the radio bug the previous summer while listening to the station in my basement. I called in a request and as the jock was playing it for me, I realized that could be me on the radio. I signed up for the program that fall, and the following summer, I was part of the Summer Sound 1991 crew.

In the years to come, my experience at KBPS would prove invaluable to my radio career. When applying for jobs, program directors in Portland ALWAYS knew about the program and the caliber of talent it produced. It is very humbling to be part of the group of alums you see on this website today. I grew up listening to and admiring many of the people you're reading about here.

My career in commercial radio began in the summer of 1995 at KGON in Portland, where I was an intern. I also worked at KZEL in Eugene while attending the University of Oregon. Also during my time at the U of O, I served as production director, and eventually general manager of KWVA-FM, the campus radio station.

After graduation in 1997, I took at job at KEX in the newsroom. I also worked as a jock at K103-FM. Three years later I moved to KPAM 860 where I stayed for eight years, six years of which I served as the managing editor in the newsroom.

And that brings me to where I am now: KOMO Newsradio in Seattle, where I am the morning editor.

Every opportunity I've ever had in this business can be traced back to the time I spent at KBPS. It gave me the foundation on which to build great radio skills, and the drive to go out and succeed in the commercial radio world. It was also one of the funnest chapters of my radio career, and I would encourage ANY student at Benson to check out the program, whether they intend to go into radio or not.

Dana Jeffries - KBPS Summer Sound News	Dana Jeffries - K103 Portland Morning Show - 2000-2010

"I worked 2 high school summers on KBPS’s Summer Sound program as a News Reporter ---really and truly ON the radio---reporting  the news, interviewing newsmakers, writing news stories!  Where else but KBPS could a group of teenagers, under the guidance of one dedicated teacher, Kevin Flink, work and play at live radio that way?  We didn’t mind if we had 4 or 4 thousand listeners---we were in charge of a live daily broadcast!

KBPS Summer Sound allowed me to get behind a microphone and experience what a radio news reporter really does.  The colleges I attended later couldn’t even offer that.  I chose to intern during college in commercial radio newsrooms just to get the same kind of experience KBPS had offered me in high school!  Since I had experienced the deadlines real news reporters were under to get a story on the airwaves, I became a useful intern who was asked to return again and again.  Those newsroom connections were so valuable for future job opportunities.

I spent 30 years working and ‘playing’ at radio--grateful for the KBPS Summer Sound experience!"

Tim Underwood - KGON Portland 1989	Tim Underwood Owner Tim Underwood Productions, Bend, OR

"Thinking back on my KBPS experience, I'm still in awe of the foundation that was laid for me - a foundation that fast-tracked my broadcast career and still makes up a large segment of my total knowledge base all these years later.”After several stints in the Portland market including air personality at KMJK and News Director/morning show host at KGON, Tim relocated to Bend in 1991 and worked on-air another eight years before leaving the broadcast world behind to pursue his first love as a recording engineer/producer.

"I owe a great deal to Kevin Flink, James Boyd, Darryl Conser and Dr. Patricia Swenson, along with many other adult staff who nurtured our learning and gave unselfish amounts of themselves both on and off the clock.

Tim is currently owner of Tim Underwood Productions (aka thewebvoice.com), a recording studio serving local Bend clientele from his downtown location and the rest of the world via the Internet. Specializing in radio commercials and e-Learning, his companies' work can be heard on The Simpsons, Mt. Bachelor radio/TV spots and also in 100's of Flash presentations at microsoft.com.

Dan Dubay – Owner: Dan Dubay Professional DJ Services, Bend, OR

"During high school, KBPS provided an essential foundation to continue my education, training and career in radio broadcasting. The experience put me on the fast track to beginning the career I've loved for 25 years."

Dave Rogoway (aka Dave Stone) 910 KISN, Portland 1971	Dave Rogoway today      co-owner La Rog Jewelers

"If it was not for my first radio job at KBPS my dream in broadcasting would never have taken place. I signed up to be the Cleveland High dj on Fridays and I remember every minute of those days with my Dad waiting in the car listening to my hour on the air. From there I had the confidence to apply at a few small market stations including KRDR in Gresham and lived my radio dream later on KISN in Portland, WMYQ in Miami and KYA in San Francisco. Thank You KBPS and Dr Swenson for my first training ground in radio.”

Bill Cooper - KEX News Anchor - 1997

I owe my professional life to KBPS. I was the first student at Benson High School to take KBPS as a major (quite a diversion from my original plans to be a machinist!). The Benson radio program and KBPS gave me the skills necessary to have a more than 40 year career in commercial broadcasting. I worked for a number of radio stations in the northwest, including KGW-AM 620, KGON 92.3FM, 1190 KEX and AM860 KPAM in Portland, KVI-FM in Seattle, KITI in Chehalis and KBZY in Salem. I also spent more than 5 years as an on-air reporter for KPTV Channel 12 in Portland. I eventually returned to KBPS and was General Manager of the station from 2004-2012. I now pursue voiceover work fulltime as the owner of VoiceImage NW.

Jake Neilson -- Sales & Marketing ISITE Design

“KBPS helped me sell my personality. I always loved to talk, but the radio broadcasting program taught me how to sell my voice and give my passions a purpose. I moved into sales and advertising when I realized that my favorite roles at KBPS had been PSA production and advertising reads. I now work in the sales and marketing department at ISITE Design one of the fastest growing agencies in Portland. Without the help of KBPS and Benson High School, I would not be where I am today and where I plan to be in the future. 

This program helps you connect with a world of communications and media that most people never get to be a part of and experience. It was a privilege and a joy to work and learn under the KBPS program at BHS.   GO TECH!”

Mike Phillips Benson High School Class of 1960

Mike Phillips lived and breathed radio. It was his lifelong passion.  His involvement as a student staff member of KBPS led him to a very successful career as an air talent, and then a programmer, at some of the country's top radio stations.  Everyone who knew Mike Phillips says the same thing: Mike was a great guy!  If you worked for Mike in short order he wasn't just the boss, he was a friend.  Here's a look at Mike's illustrious career...

 Mike started his commercial broadcast career at KISN-Portland in 1960, while still a student at Benson High School.  There was already a "Mike" at KISN in PM Drive, so he was "M.J. Phillips" as a part-timer.  Later that year Mike was the full-time host of KISN's "Luncheon Munchin'" Noon-3PM show.  

Mike left for TOP 40 KAYO in Seattle in '61.  He was back at KISN for 3-7pm in the summer 1962.   Later that year he went to KJR-Seattle for three years.   Next was KNBR-San Francisco in 1965.  Mike did mornings at KFRC-San Francisco from 1966 to 1968.  
 
His first job as a program director was at KJR in Seattle in 1968.  He then went to WWDJ-Hackensack, NJ and then station WXLO-New York.      

Mike Phillips returned to Portland to do afternoon drive at KGW in '74.  By 1975, Mike was Program Director and responsible for the highest #1 ratings in KGW history!

Click here to hear Mike on KGW in 1975. 

After five years as pd and air talent at KGW-Portland, Mike was in San Francisco during most of the 1980s.  He worked at KYUU and was VP of programming for the NBC/FM division before moving on to program K101, KFRC and KOIT.

In 1989, after a two-year stint at the Research Group in Seattle, Mike became VP of programming for WTMX-Chicago.  

Mike Phillips' greatest success came as a Program Director in the '90's at KRTH in Los Angeles, where he hired two of the country’s best known DJs, Robert W. Morgan and The Real Don Steele.  

Mike Phillips retired from KRTH in late 2001.  He died of pancreatic cancer October 16, 2006.  He was 64.