Benson High School

Freshman year 1974 on-air at KBPS 1450am                                aka air-names Rick Shaw & Rick Bubba Taylor
Richard D. Kinoshita - Broadcast Operations Station Manager

I still remember walking into the school radio station at Benson Polytechnic High School as a freshman, not realizing that moment would mark the beginning of an incredible 44-year broadcasting career in Portland.

At 14 years old, I was fascinated by radio — yet terrified of speaking in front of people. The idea of talking to thousands of listeners at home, at work, or in their cars left me speechless. But KBPS changed that. Through this remarkable student program, I faced my fears, found my voice, and built the self-confidence that would carry me through a lifetime in broadcasting.

KBPS 1450 AM became the foundation and stepping stone that opened doors to some of the largest media companies in the country — CBS Radio, Scripps-Howard, Clear Channel/iHeartRadio, and Entercom/Audacy. That once microphone-shy student from Southeast Portland went on to host some of the city’s most successful radio shows, manage programming and music departments, and even voice commercials for global brands like VISA, Disney, Ford, Chevrolet, and Alaska Airlines.

Life truly has a way of coming full circle.

After an unforgettable journey in commercial broadcasting, I am deeply honored to return home — to the very station that first gave me a microphone and a dream. As of 2024, I proudly serve as Operations Station Manager of KBPS Portland, helping guide the next generation of student broadcasters as they discover their voices and pursue their own dreams. 

Jacob Patterson - Broadcasting Program Instructor

I am forever thankful and grateful my career in radio broadcasting started at KBPS. I graduated from KBPS and Benson Polytechnic High School in 2006. During my time as a KBPS student, I was selected by my classmates as the KBPS Student Chief of Staff. I was part of the first KBPS Radio team to win the National SkillsUSA Radio Audio Production competition in Kansas City in 2006. I also received the Kevin Reilly Award for Leadership and Professionalism. I was hired by Portland Public Schools as part of the KBPS Summer Sound program in 2005, 2006, and as an alum in 2009. I also served as KBPS Election Night Co-Anchor in 2012.

I have worked for many radio stations and programs across Portland and in Washington, D.C. since graduating from KBPS, including AM 1190 KEX, AM 860 KPAM, AM 620 KPOJ, 105.1 the Buzz, The Thom Hartmann Program, and 1480 WPWC. From 2016 to 2021 I worked at FM News 101 KXL starting as a news anchor and reporter, then becoming KXL Morning News Editor and Content Manager. I have also created my own original independent radio and video program that was syndicated on terrestrial radio and various online streaming outlets.  

It's a dream come true, and I'm beyond thrilled and excited to be the KBPS Broadcasting Instructor now. It's so rewarding to help, inspire, and motivate our students - creating a real positive difference in their lives. It's wonderful to give back to the program and help students increase their confidence and improve their communication skills every day. I will never forget my KBPS teachers like Kevin Flink and Steve Naganuma who helped me achieve my success. Giving back to KBPS and dedicating my life to helping Benson thrive is an honor and privilege that I take very seriously. I want to help the program grow and evolve so it can celebrate its 200th Anniversary someday. I recognize the effort required of me to serve all students and I am committed to achieving and excelling at it. I genuinely care about the KBPS program, Benson Polytechnic High School, and our students. I want to see them succeed like I have.

Having the opportunity to learn from communications and media professionals, using state-of-the-art broadcasting equipment, and evolving the classroom curriculum as the industry changes makes KBPS a top destination for communications education and allows students to learn transferable, lifelong skills that will prepare them for a successful career and life.

I have always been proud to be a Benson Polytechnic and KBPS graduate. I cannot wait to continue contributing to our program’s legacy. I love learning and teaching. I look forward to doing both at KBPS for a long time. Thank you so much for this amazing and humbling honor.

Outside the classroom and studio, my passions are bowling, fishing, the outdoors, animals, and music.