Harry Hoth Jr.

Harry W. Hoth Jr. was a pioneering Colorado broadcaster, longtime owner of KRDO radio and television, and a civic leader whose career helped shape local broadcasting for more than five decades.

Building KRDO

After serving as a U.S. Marine during World War II, Hoth attended Colorado College under the G.I. Bill. He began working part time in sales and promotions at KRDO radio, then operating from the Alta Vista Hotel near campus.

Hoth led KRDO’s expansion into television in 1952, and KRDO-TV began full-time broadcasting in 1953 with coverage of the World Series. He became president and general manager of KRDO AM/TV in 1955 and later became owner of the stations. The operation grew into Pikes Peak Broadcasting, adding KRDO-FM in the 1960s and KJCT-TV in Grand Junction during the 1980s.

Civic and industry leadership

Hoth served as mayor of Colorado Springs from 1963 through 1967. Within broadcasting, he chaired the ABC Affiliates Council and participated in national efforts to modernize the Emergency Broadcast System. He was twice named Colorado Broadcaster of the Year.

The Colorado Broadcasters Association named its Harry W. Hoth Public Service Award for him on the occasion of his 50th year in broadcasting. The honor recognizes broadcasters with sustained public service to their communities, Colorado and the nation.

Recognition and legacy

Hoth was selected as a Legacy inductee in the Colorado Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame class of 2025. He died July 12, 2016, at age 92.

Colorado stations: KRDO-AM, KRDO-FM, KRDO-TV and KJCT-TV.

Sources

• Colorado Broadcasters Association, Harry Hoth Hall of Fame biography.
• Colorado Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.
• Colorado Broadcasters Association, Harry W. Hoth Public Service Award.