Former mayor, KRDO owner receives city award

Harry Hoth received a Spirit of the Springs lifetime achievement award Wednesday from Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers.

Hoth, 92, accepted the award at the end of the mayor’s State of the City address in Broadmoor Hall.

“I didn’t know what it was, or what was going on,” Hoth said. “I was just invited and now I’m so pleased to be able to thank those people who were here today, for helping Colorado Springs get back on a good track.”

Hoth served on the City Council from 1959 to 1963, followed by a term as mayor until 1967.

He also is the primary figure in the history of KRDO-TV, serving as owner, president and general manager of Pikes Peak Broadcasting from 1953 until the station was bought in 2006 by Missouri-based News-Press & Gazette.

However, Hoth is best known for his community service.

“He’s the first guy who really taught me what it’s like to give back,” Steve Shuck, friends with Hoth for 53 years, said.

Another longtime friend, Vic Andrews, said Hoth cares deeply about the city.

“I don’t know of anything he’s ever done that hasn’t been for the betterment of this city,” Andrews said.

Hoth was accompanied by his daughter, Patti Hoth.