Bill Stewart (journalist)

Bill Stewart was an American television journalist working for ABC News. He was shot and killed by a Nicaraguan National Guardsman on June 20, 1979, while reporting on the Nicaraguan Revolution in Managua.

Stewart and his crew, consisting of sound technician Jim Cefalo and interpreter Ricardo Osorto, were stopped at a National Guard checkpoint. Accounts vary, but what is clear is that after being ordered out of their vehicle, Stewart was forced to lie face down on the ground and then shot in the head. The incident was captured on camera by Cefalo, and the footage was quickly broadcast on American television, sparking outrage and turning public opinion in the United States against the Somoza regime.

The graphic footage of Stewart's execution had a profound impact, influencing the Carter administration's decision to withdraw support from the Somoza government and contributing to the Sandinista National Liberation Front's eventual victory.

Following Stewart's death, ABC News established the Bill Stewart Fellowship, which supports young journalists. Several awards and scholarships also bear his name, recognizing excellence in journalism. His death remains a significant event in the history of journalism and a stark reminder of the risks faced by reporters covering conflicts.