Bernard Stewart

Vice President, ESPN Caribbean and Maritime Media

Bernard Stewart was named vice president of ESPN in the Caribbean in December, 2008. 

In this newly created role, Bernard heads ESPN’s businesses in the Caribbean, including all islands in the territory and the Cruise Ship business.  He oversees ESPN’s program syndication business throughout the region and is responsible for developing new digital media businesses such as the company’s broadband service ESPN360 and other initiatives.  He focus includes oversight of both the affiliate and advertising sales relationships and related opportunities.

Stewart joined ESPN in 1980 as one of the early pioneers of the company’s development and recently celebrated 28 years of service to ESPN and The Walt Disney Company.  From 1999-2008, Bernard Stewart was vice president and general manager, ESPN Asia Pacific.  Based in Hong Kong for four years, Stewart was ESPN International’s most senior executive for the Asia Pacific region.  He served on the board of directors of ESPN STAR Sports, the company’s joint venture in Asia with STAR TV, and served as chairman of the management advisory committee of Japan Satellite Broadcasting (JSB)

From 1992 to 1999, Stewart served as vice president, programming and development, ESPN International, responsible for development and long-term strategy for ESPN’s global family of networks. He also oversaw daily program scheduling and the program development. During his career, he has created or developed over 25 original series and program concepts for the ESPN network and syndication distribution system.

From 1991 to 1992, Stewart was director programming, operations and productions, ESPN International, where he launched the international edition of ESPN’s award-winning SportsCenter. He created, designed and supervised the development of ESPN’s first network use of cutting edge ‘virtual set technology’ for the weekly series Football Weekend and developed ESPN’s production method of international multi-language program delivery providing distinctive language services in English, Mandarin, Portuguese and Spanish.

Stewart graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Television and Motion Picture Production in 1974. He also holds separate M.S. degrees in Urban Studies (1977) and Media Technology (1979), both from Southern Connecticut University.

-30-