John Bloom is an investigative reporter, essayist, and actor who was born in Dallas; raised in Little Rock, Arkansas; and attended Vanderbilt University on a sportswriting scholarship. Bloom began his writing career in Texas, earning two National Magazine Award nominations for Texas Monthly. He was later fired from the Dallas Times-Herald for writing (as “Joe Bob Briggs”) a parody of the then-popular song, “We Are The World.” Joe Bob Briggs began his television career on the Movie Channel, hosting “Joe Bob’s Drive-In Theater” for nine years. During this time, it became TMC’s highest-rated show, earning two ACE award nominations. He hosted TNT’s “Monstervision” program and is currently at work on an autobiographical screenplay.
Mar 1, 1980 — By John Bloom
When the cable TV salesman comes calling, you should fully expect your city council to sell you down the river. Not that they mean to do it. It’s simply that history shows most city councils don’t know the first thing about cable. People who can barely figure out the briefs…
Mar 1, 1980 — By John Bloom
In Texas the best way to get rich in cable television is to know just a little about TV and everything about politics.
Feb 1, 1980 — By John Bloom
The art of romantic osculation barely survived the jaded seventies. Now it’s time to rediscover the private delights and civic benefits of real kissing.
Dec 1, 1979 — By John Bloom
Whose blonde, curly scalp are the farmers after how do the rich and powerful run? Why, pray tell, does Houston need parks?
Nov 1, 1979 — By John Bloom
A down-home journalist; the privileged pew; gas for a price.
Sep 30, 1979 — By John Bloom
Who turned off the melting pot? Vietnamese and Texans fight on the coast.
Sep 30, 1979 — By John Bloom
South Padre defiled—and you were there; the joy of six hundred maniacal flute players; Dallas’ love-hate affair with Fair Park.
Aug 31, 1979 — By John Bloom
B-a-a-d government meddling irks Texas goat and sheep raisers; something’s rotten in Rotterdam, and it’s driving up oil prices; and the world’s best gymnasts are coming to Cowtown.
Jul 31, 1979 — By John Bloom
Valley politicos block minority TV; Dairy Queens reign in small-town Texas; woman diver yearns for Acapulco cliffs; Houston takes its lumps.
