Biography
Harry W. Hoth was a pioneering Colorado broadcaster whose career spanned more than five decades and helped define the standard for localism in radio and television. Following his service as a U.S. Marine in World War II, Hoth attended Colorado College under the G.I. Bill and began his broadcasting career at KRDO Radio, then located in the Alta Vista Hotel near campus. In 1952, he led KRDO’s expansion into television, launching KRDO-TV in 1953 with coverage of the World Series. Hoth later became President and owner of KRDO Radio and Television, growing the enterprise into Pikes Peak Broadcasting with the addition of KRDO-FM in the 1960s and KJCT-TV in Grand Junction in the 1980s.
Beyond his role as a broadcaster, Hoth was a civic leader and industry advocate. He served as Mayor of Colorado Springs from 1963 to 1967, chaired the ABC Affiliates Council, and led national efforts to modernize the Emergency Broadcast System. Twice named Colorado Broadcaster of the Year, Hoth’s legacy endures through the Colorado Broadcasters Association’s “Harry W. Hoth Community Service Award,” honoring broadcasters that embody his lifelong commitment to serving their communities with integrity and excellence.
