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Papers of
Robert A. Mott
Processed by: Candice M. Ezzat
October 1998
0.5 lin. ft.
Robert A. Mott began his career in journalism while serving in the armed forces during World War II. Prior to enlisting in the army, Mott was preparing for a career in print journalism, but was forced to discontinue his education after two years. While in the service, Mott wrote a column for the Emporia Gazette about the activities of the National Guard from 1940 to 1945. Although he enjoyed working in the print journalism field, his colleague Russ Porter convinced Mott to pursue his interest in the electronic news gathering business. In 1945, after he completed his military service, Mott began working for KTSW, a commercial news station in Kansas, covering news and sports. Mott worked his way through his last two years of college and graduated with a BA degree in 1947, at which point he made the decision to stay at KTSW until 1948. In 1949, Mott went to the University of Denver to earn a masters degree in Radio-Television Journalism while simultaneously teaching there until 1953.
Mott began working for an ABC radio station in Pueblo, Colorado, which jointly owned a commercial television station with a CBS radio station in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Here, Mott gained experience in both radio and television broadcasting. After two years Mott transferred back to Denver where he accepted a managerial role at the ABC affiliate radio station KVOD until he accepted a job in 1956 at the Washington State College (later renamed Washington State University (WSU) in 1959). Mott remained at Washington State University as the Continuity Editor and the News Editor for twelve years. In 1968, John Witherspoon, chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Educational Radio, approached Mott and offered him a position as Executive Director of National Educational Radio. Other associated interests in radio and television broadcasting include Mott’s involvement with the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), the Public Service Satellite Consortium (PSSC), National Public Radio (NPR), National Association of Educational Broadcasters (NAEB), and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
The Papers of Robert A. Mott cover the dates 1961 to 1995. The bulk of this material ranges from 1970 to 1979. Types of documents include cartoons and news clippings, dedications/invitation, correspondence, newsletters, reports and maps, memos, magazines, photos, satirical materials, and audio tapes.
The collection consists of one series:
The Papers of Robert A. Mott were given to the National Public Broadcasting Archives, University of Maryland Libraries by Robert A. Mott in February, April, May and July of 1997.
Series 1: Subject Files, 1961-1995, nd (0.5 lin. ft.)
The Papers of Robert A. Mott were arranged into one subject series which covers all areas of Mott's involvement in the television and radio industry. Important topics include the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), the Public Service Satellite Consortium (PSSC), and KWSU-TV. The materials are arranged alphabetically.
