For more than fifty years, Harry W. Hoth has demonstrated what it means to be a local broadcaster committed to community service. Hoth started at KRDO radio while studying at Colorado College. The former Marine gained the respect of station ownership and they followed his advice to add a television signal to their radio property. KRDO TV went on the air in 1953 and Hoth became President and General Manager. The Pikes Peak Broadcasting Company now includes two TV stations – KRDO-TV in Colorado Springs and KJCT-TV in Grand Junction, and three radio stations –KRDO AM and FM, and KSKX FM in Colorado Springs.
From the early days of black and white cameras and vacuum tube transmitters, his station provided live coverage of news and community events. His station was first in the market to telecast live pictures from the top of Pikes Peak, first with local telecasts in color, and first to deliver television programming to Southern Colorado residents through an extensive network of mountain top translators. It was first with live coverage of fairs, parades and graduations, and first to use modern Electronic News Gathering. But his concept of community service also extends beyond dedicated news reporting
Hoth served as Mayor of Colorado Springs from 1963 to 1967. His foresight and leadership resulted in an ambitious pipeline project, bringing snowmelt to front-range reservoirs. He is former Chairman of the Air Service Task Force, and is former Chairman and Life Member of the Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council.
Harry W. Hoth was named Broadcaster of the Year by the Colorado Broadcasters Association in 1969 and again in 1985, and the CBA’s Harry W. Hoth Community Service Award is given to the broadcaster who demonstrates sustained commitment to community service.