Stephen G. Bloom

Stephen G. Bloom is a Professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Iowa, part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His work focuses on long-form nonfiction, oral history, online narrative journalism, and media ethics in the digital age. He teaches courses in magazine reporting and has been recognized with the 2020 Distinguished Teaching in Journalism Award from the Society of Professional Journalists. Bloom’s research explores complex societal issues through deeply reported narratives, including racial injustice (via his book Blue Eyes, Brown Eyes), the history of journalism (through The Brazil Chronicles), and reproductive rights (in The Audacity of Inez Burns).

Education: B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley (1973). Prior to joining the University of Iowa faculty in 1993, Bloom held roles at major newspapers including the Los Angeles Times and Dallas Morning News, and served as Brazil correspondent for the Field News Service. He has held fellowships at the MacDowell Colony and Virginia Center for Creative Arts, and was a visiting scholar at Columbia University.

His award-winning books combine rigorous research with compelling storytelling, often uncovering overlooked narratives in U.S. and global history. Bloom co-founded the Iowa Journalists Oral History Project, digitizing the contributions of senior Iowa journalists. His writing has appeared in major publications like the New York Times, Smithsonian, and Columbia Journalism Review.

Scientific Awards: Bloom’s honors include the Alex Award for The Oxford Project (a study of life in a small Iowa town) and fellowships supporting his creative work. His books have received critical acclaim for their interdisciplinary approach to history, ethics, and social justice.

Advising/Grants: While no student advisees are listed, Bloom’s mentorship is reflected in his teaching and collaborative works. His grants include fellowships supporting research and creative projects. He has also contributed to discussions on media ethics and journalism’s role in democracy through articles in Inside Higher Ed and the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Bloom’s current projects continue to bridge journalism and academia, with a focus on storytelling that illuminates societal complexities. His work emphasizes the power of narrative to challenge assumptions and drive public dialogue on critical issues.