Herb Bloom was a self described “Boy from the Bronx”, who loved riding horses and collecting Southwestern art. After graduating from Stuyvesant High and Yeshiva University, he earned a Danforth scholarship and a free trip to New Haven, Connecticut. With a diploma from Yale in hand, Herb took his eagerness for knowledge to the world of television news. After stints in Boston, Jersey and Pittsburgh, he settled into a job in Washington where he spent most of his successful career at NBC. As executive producer, he didn’t so much cover the news, rather he choreographed the people who made it reach our living rooms. Innovative and inquisitive, to say the least, Herb did everything that he could to get the story. Which explains why even long after retiring, he eagerly conducted 6-hour interviews of whoever happened to be seated in the middle seat on his biannual trips from D.C. to San Diego. In his final act, he changed his name to Grampy Herb, where he shined in his new favorite hobby, grandparenting. On May 2nd, this beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, newsman and Bronx Cowboy passed away.
We would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Mr Bloom. May your memories console you and may God sustain you during this time of sorrow. Thinking of you all.
We were saddened to hear of Herb’s passing. I worked with Herb at WCVB in Boston in the 70s. He was a popular newsroom leader who always had time to chat and support staffers. He was whip smart, a wonderful journalist who always came up with unique and different ways to approach story telling. In a crisis he was unflappable, keeping everyone everyone around him calm and focused.
Our condolences to Wendy and family.
Al and Kathleen Jaffe
Whether it was a political convention, the Pope visiting America or any number of major national stories, Herb was a pro. A pro at mastering the inner workings of NBC and a pro at developing coverage that was memorable. With Steve Handlesman at his side, they produced meaningful journalism. But what I will remember most will be his voice, his laugh, and all of the Southwest jewelry! Proud to have known him. Take comfort in his contributions and given the current political environment and constant media attacks, the world needs more Herb Blooms. Rest in peace.