Former Mayor and Owner of KRDO Newschannel 13 dies
KRDO Newschannel 13 has lost a legend and friend. Harry Hoth, the long-time former owner of TV and Radio died July 12 at 92.
The Missouri native came to Colorado Springs to attend college in the 1940s. While in school, Hoth started working part-time in radio sales and promotions at KRDO AM, then eventually rising to the position of owner/president of what would become Pikes Peak Broadcasting.
There were a number of milestones under Harry Hoth’s leadership; the first live pictures from the top of Pikes Peak, coverage of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Colorado College Hockey and Sky Sox baseball broadcasts.
In 1953, KRDO added television to the lineup, eventually bringing color broadcasts and network programming to Southern Colorado.
Hoth became involved in local politics, serving on the Colorado Springs City Council from 1959 to 1967; four of those years as mayor. He’s in the Colorado Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame and was named Colorado Broadcaster of the Year twice.
In addition to his love for sports, Hoth was strong supporter of our local military.
In September 2015, on his 92nd birthday, Hoth was presented with the Spirit of the Springs Lifetime Achievement Award.
The News-Press & Gazette Company purchased KRDO radio and television in 2006.
News-Press & Gazette Chairman & CEO David Bradley and President Brian Bradley noted Hoth’s passing in the following statement:
“We enjoyed a great relationship with Harry before, during and after the purchase of KRDO. He stressed family ownership and community involvement. Our mission has been to build on his great legacy.”
Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers responded to the news of Hoth’s passing with this statement:
“Harry Hoth was a great citizen of Colorado Springs. Starting with his days at Colorado College, he was totally devoted to his hometown. As a businessman, he contributed to the economic development of the city. As a radio and TV station owner, he made sure local sports events and local teams received coverage. He was a philanthropist who contributed greatly to various scholarship programs. And he was a wonderful public servant, serving on the city council and as the city’s 32 nd Mayor from 1963-67. Last September, Harry Hoth was given a Lifetime “Spirit of the Springs” award which recognized the incredible impact he has had on Colorado Springs.”
Harry Hoth was married to wife Joan for nearly 68 years. Together they raised four daughters.
