Meet Your Power Party Hosts

Eden Lane

For those “not in the know,” how would you describe who you are and what you do for Denver?

While my work still includes covering politics and community affairs, I am most identified with the weekly arts program I created and host on Colorado Public Television, “In Focus with Eden Lane.” We cover local arts ranging from theater, dance, and music to visual art, film, writers, and more.

You’ve interviewed some heavy hitters from Hollywood to D.C. When you think of career highlights, who or what comes to mind?

There are far too many highlights to include them all here. The first few that come to mind include covering the Democratic National Convention in 2008. George Hamilton gave me a much more personal interview than we often see from him. Alan Cumming was as delightful as one would hope, and he has a wicked sense of humor. Ken Buck (the former District Attorney of Weld County) gave me two interviews with unexpected candor and emotion. As well, Tony-Award-winner Alice Ripley responded to my questions by saying, “We’re talking about my soul now.”

You’ve got some real “by my own bootstraps” fortitude goin’ on in your life story. With your background, what aspects of “personal power” do you really admire in a person?

It seems “personal power” can be defined in so many ways. It can be the person who rolls up their sleeves and keeps working toward a goal; finding strength in defining your own life and identity; and all the big picture ideas often associated with power. I also think of “personal power” as the person who quietly faces the world with an open heart and mind despite exclusion, indifference, and even violence. For some people, simply moving through the world is a compelling example of “personal power.” That is the kind of personal power I admire most.

If you could take a politician to task on your show, who would he/she be and what issues would you illuminate for the community?

The idea of taking any guest to task isn’t exactly how I see my role as an interviewer and journalist. Of course I don’t shy away from asking difficult questions, but to me that phrase, “taking to task” implies a less objective role. When interviewing a politician, my goal is to illuminate who they are and examine their ideas so that the viewer can either take them to task, or reward them.

The issues, however, can range from marriage equality, employment discrimination, and health care to economic development, homelessness, and many others.

What are you most looking forward to at the Power Party in October?

Looking ahead to my third year as co-host, what I look forward to most is the same as the first year — connecting with the variety of community members represented by the list of honorees. The evening has heartwarming moments, inspiring moments, and of course plenty of fun. It’s a very special celebration.

Kevin Torres

So five Emmys! That’s incredible. What else in The Life and Times of Kevin puts a smile on your face?

My job puts a huge smile on my face. I love traveling the state of Colorado and meeting ordinary people with extraordinary stories. Outside of work, my nephews Mason and Gryphon also make me smile. They live in New York State (where I’m from). I get to see them a few times a year.

You’re “kind of a big deal” around here. (It’s what I heard some kids sayin’. I think it’s a compliment. I hope so, anyway.) Do you get recognized walkin’ around Denver and how many fan-selfies do you take daily?

What’s interesting about the Denver TV market, compared to the two other TV markets I’ve worked in, is people really enjoy watching their local news out here. Especially 9NEWS. I can’t tell you how many people I run into who say, ‘9NEWS is a part of our family.’ I get recognized frequently in the metro area, but more so out on the Eastern Plains. I grew up on in a farm in Northern New York so telling stories in rural communities is my specialty. As my buddy and colleague Kyle Clark likes to say, ‘Those are my people.’ As for selfies, my boyfriend will tell you I’m guilty of taking too many of them. He says I have a problem.

What’re some misconceptions about your line of work?

Oftentimes, people think we show up right when the newscast starts, step in front of the camera and BOOM — that’s all that goes into it. In reality, reporters, anchors, producers, etc. spend hours, days, weeks, months, and even years producing certain stories. There’s a lot of stress and a lot of hard work that goes into putting together stories for TV news. But it’s totally worth it.

What would teenage-Kevin be most surprised at by adult-
Kevin’s life?

I think the success I’ve had. I grew up in a tiny, one-bedroom apartment with my mom and my sister until I was about 13 years old. My mother worked all the time to support us. Most kids I grew up with traveled down a dangerous road later in life. My mom taught me to work hard and eventually good things would come to me. Never in a million years did I think my dream of becoming a journalist would come true, let alone winning five Emmy awards along the way. I feel blessed.

Who are some of your heroes, personally or professionally?

My stepdad is my biggest hero. He passed away last November after a short battle with cancer. When he and my mom married, he bought us a big home in the country and gave us the childhood we never had. He also taught us to work hard. He’s responsible for a lot of my success. I miss him a lot and I think about him every day. Professionally, my co-workers are my heroes. Every day they come into the newsroom, bust their butts off, and produce an amazing product we’re all
proud of.