10 Questions with ... Ken Bass & Deb Courson

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Ken: I was a theatre major in college and played in a few bands during and afterwards (I had a minor in music, specifically percussion.) Went into radio in 1978 working part-time overnights (back where everybody started in those days) at WBYQ/Nashville. Started writing a few bits and doing a couple of character voices for Steve McCoy, who did mornings there before he moved on to a big career in Atlanta. Steve encouraged me to do my own morning show, so I left for the Chesapeake, VA market; going from there to Wheeling. WV, then to a couple of other markets before landing in Boise in '85. In Boise, I've done mornings at KCIX, KBOI-A, KXLT, and I've been doing mornings at KRVB for over 14 years. I also do a bit of acting in local theatre now and then.

Deb: Began broadcasting at a small-town station in Idaho and moved along to Idaho's big town of Boise. Co-hosted morning radio shows in the Top 40 and News/Talk formats. Spent 13 years as a freelance reporter/editor - mostly working for CBS and niche networks. Returned to the morning radio world last year and lovin' it. Degrees in English and Communication.

1. How did you both become interested in radio?

Ken: I was doing some theatre, music, and waiting tables in Nashville, when a jock in town suggested I study and get my broadcasters license, try it out, and get a real job! I'm still friends with him, and don't hold any grudges.

Deb: I went to my local small-town radio station in Idaho (Weiser) to apply for an office job. They put me in a studio, showed me how to queue up a record, and told me to pretend to be a DJ. It paid for college a few years later. Still pretending!

2. What is the dynamic between the both of you on the air?

Ken: Very friendly and natural. Although we've only been an on-air team for just over a year, we've got enough experience under our respective belts to work off each other quite well. There are instincts and learned skills that both come into play. There is that feeling of comfort on-air knowing that the other is right there with you in whatever conversation is started.

Deb: We have a lot of shared experiences in this radio market and the area's history. We love all the treasures and secrets of the Boise area. He keeps me in line, so I don't go on and on and on about playing pinball. We have 17 machines at home, so it's a BIG thing in my life.

3. What is the ratio of music to information/talk on the air?

It's 60-70% music. The talk is rarely over four minutes at a time, and we have about eight songs an hour.

4. Do have any regular special segments you two do on the air?

Lots of weekly interviews with local "experts," like an outdoor/recreation expert, a gardening expert; monthly visits from two different mayors; fun contests; twice hourly "Morning Reports;" special days...

5. What has been your biggest career highlight?

Ken: I've won a few "Best Radio Personality Awards' and honors, but, I most treasure some of the interviews and connections I've made over the years with folks such as producer/director Frank Marshall, Adam "Batman" West, George Peppard, Leslie Neilsen, America Ferrera, Jane Goodall, Carol Channing ... the list goes on, and each time I talk with someone like that, I'm giddy like a child. The thrill never goes away. But, I've never chatted with Neil Young.

Deb: While working on a special news project for a major news network, I got to hang out with Neil Young for a day in Washington D.C. Very interesting experience that was an intersection of music and politics and his crazy car.

6. Since you get up so early, how often do either of you attend station events in the evening?

Quite often. We have so many connections to live music and events. Naps make it all work.

7. Favorite new acts that have come out in the past 12 months or so?

We don't think they are really "new," but Portugal. The Man has been a real kick.

8. Are you involved in any philanthropic or charitable organization on-air or off?

Ken: I'm on the Library board, and I emcee various charitable events around town.

Deb: I'm an Advanced Master Gardener for the University of Idaho, so I volunteer to teach classes about fairy gardening, butterflies, bees and ... spiders!

9. What would surprise people most about each of you?

Ken: I'm essentially shy, but, I love being up onstage, whether its emceeing, or acting. I love old comic books. I also believe I'm a beautiful butterfly.

Deb: I carry a butterfly net in my car at all times, even in the winter!

10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ...

Ken: Coffee and a "good morning, I love you" text from my wife. I'm hooked on both.

Deb: Black Cherry Lipsmacker

Last non-industry job:

Ken: Part-time bookseller at Barnes and Noble, and some non-radio-related TV commercials with the family.

Deb: Holiday décor director at the Boise Airport

First record ever purchased:

Ken: "Whipped Cream and Other Delights" by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. No, I didn't buy it for the cover. Yes, I know that makes me old.

Deb: "Cornerstone," Styx

First concert:

Ken: Besides the Tijuana Brass? Led Zeppelin!

Deb: Journey

Favorite band of all-time:

Ken: I can't settle on just one. Basically, classic stuff. Everything from The Beatles to Zeppelin to early Chicago to Journey to Abba to Simon and Garfunkel, and more recently, Walk Off the Earth, and Scars on 45!

Deb: Prince

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?

Ken: Reading, watching films, searching through antique stores, taking hikes and, most of all, being with my wife and kids.

Deb: Family time, gardening, feline therapy