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On the Ground: My Life as a Foreign Correspondent
A powerful memoir revealing the pressures, joys, and traumas of witnessing history up close and personal, from one of Canada’s most prominent and decorated foreign correspondents.
Brian Stewart is a trusted voice who brought stories of the world home to Canadians for decades on CBC’s The National.
He saw it all firsthand—triumph and ecstasy; carnage and unspeakable suffering—and bore the responsibility of shining a light on the most exciting and most horrifying moments of the late 20th century, including the Gulf War and the Ethiopian famine, reporting from sandstorms and shootouts, palaces and embassies. He spoke with the likes of Margaret Thatcher, Pope John Paul II, and Nelson Mandela; with armed militants, activists, aid workers, and more.
Now, for the first time, he is sharing his experience of the cost, both personal and professional, of bringing truth home from around the world. Reading like a whirlwind trip through the highs and lows of modern history from one of its most passionate students, On the Ground brings politics, war, and social change to vivid life.
An arresting tale of courage, curiosity, and empathy from a time when the news media held the public’s trust, Stewart’s honest and balanced storytelling is not only the fascinating tale of where one man’s quest to witness history took him but also a sobering reminder of the staggering value of wise, responsible, and honorable journalism.
Brian Stewart is a trusted voice who brought stories of the world home to Canadians for decades on CBC’s The National.
He saw it all firsthand—triumph and ecstasy; carnage and unspeakable suffering—and bore the responsibility of shining a light on the most exciting and most horrifying moments of the late 20th century, including the Gulf War and the Ethiopian famine, reporting from sandstorms and shootouts, palaces and embassies. He spoke with the likes of Margaret Thatcher, Pope John Paul II, and Nelson Mandela; with armed militants, activists, aid workers, and more.
Now, for the first time, he is sharing his experience of the cost, both personal and professional, of bringing truth home from around the world. Reading like a whirlwind trip through the highs and lows of modern history from one of its most passionate students, On the Ground brings politics, war, and social change to vivid life.
An arresting tale of courage, curiosity, and empathy from a time when the news media held the public’s trust, Stewart’s honest and balanced storytelling is not only the fascinating tale of where one man’s quest to witness history took him but also a sobering reminder of the staggering value of wise, responsible, and honorable journalism.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published September 16, 2025
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585 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 21, 2026
Who has favourite foreign news correspondents? Well, apparently I do/did. Back in the day, when I had a TV, I always was glad when Brian Stewart of the CBC was covering a story. The man seemed to be a font of information, who knew all the background to whatever subject he was discussing and also able to offer accurate analysis. I was sad when he retired from the CBC.
Now I know why Stewart always seemed so prepared. He literally began his quest for a job as a foreign correspondent when he was still in grade school. It's all he ever considered as a career and he spent all his effort honing his knowledge of politics, history, and military strategy from that time forward. In that respect, he reminded me of astronaut Chris Hadfield, who pointed his nose towards the space program and just kept moving. Both men possessed an early single-mindedness that propelled them to success in their choice of career.
Stewart is just enough older than me that he was covering stories that I was just becoming aware of. I was gaining a hazy understanding of larger world events during the 1970s and I vividly remember being scared by the FLQ crisis and the murder of Pierre Laporte. I had no idea how far away Quebec was from my Alberta home, so the news was worrying to me. It was interesting now to see it through Stewart's eyes and get an adult understanding of events.
I was a young adult entering the world of work when Stewart was in Ethiopia during the awful famine. It was his story that got Canadian Prime Minister Mulroney involved in relief efforts. Stewart's video story was played at Geldof's Live Aid concert and it galvanized the Western world. This is the era that the book started with and I cried my way through it. Stewart has never abandoned the Ethiopian people. He returned to that country and tracked down the family that his story had featured. Stewart paid for the children's education and assisted the family in as many ways as he could. They remain in touch.
I was somewhat surprised by Stewart's knowledge of literature (in Russia, he visited a place associated with his favourite poet). He casually mentions friendships with characters like author Mordecai Richler and infamous Conrad Black. As a result of his reporting on conflict and tragedy, it is unsurprising that he experienced flashbacks and nervous system glitches. Some reporters suffer from PTSD, but Stewart was diagnosed with conversion disorder, where the body converts emotional distress into physical symptoms. He seems to have dealt with it and has a calm life now. A well deserved retirement.
Now I know why Stewart always seemed so prepared. He literally began his quest for a job as a foreign correspondent when he was still in grade school. It's all he ever considered as a career and he spent all his effort honing his knowledge of politics, history, and military strategy from that time forward. In that respect, he reminded me of astronaut Chris Hadfield, who pointed his nose towards the space program and just kept moving. Both men possessed an early single-mindedness that propelled them to success in their choice of career.
Stewart is just enough older than me that he was covering stories that I was just becoming aware of. I was gaining a hazy understanding of larger world events during the 1970s and I vividly remember being scared by the FLQ crisis and the murder of Pierre Laporte. I had no idea how far away Quebec was from my Alberta home, so the news was worrying to me. It was interesting now to see it through Stewart's eyes and get an adult understanding of events.
I was a young adult entering the world of work when Stewart was in Ethiopia during the awful famine. It was his story that got Canadian Prime Minister Mulroney involved in relief efforts. Stewart's video story was played at Geldof's Live Aid concert and it galvanized the Western world. This is the era that the book started with and I cried my way through it. Stewart has never abandoned the Ethiopian people. He returned to that country and tracked down the family that his story had featured. Stewart paid for the children's education and assisted the family in as many ways as he could. They remain in touch.
I was somewhat surprised by Stewart's knowledge of literature (in Russia, he visited a place associated with his favourite poet). He casually mentions friendships with characters like author Mordecai Richler and infamous Conrad Black. As a result of his reporting on conflict and tragedy, it is unsurprising that he experienced flashbacks and nervous system glitches. Some reporters suffer from PTSD, but Stewart was diagnosed with conversion disorder, where the body converts emotional distress into physical symptoms. He seems to have dealt with it and has a calm life now. A well deserved retirement.
August 20, 2025
3.5 stars
This book was entertaining. However, most of the events described in the book took place prior to me being born, pre 1988 (dating myself😂). Although, I found them interesting I think I would have related more if I was alive during the event. I did really find the first chapter on the Ethiopian famine eye opening.
Thank you @simonschusterca for the complimentary copy
This book was entertaining. However, most of the events described in the book took place prior to me being born, pre 1988 (dating myself😂). Although, I found them interesting I think I would have related more if I was alive during the event. I did really find the first chapter on the Ethiopian famine eye opening.
Thank you @simonschusterca for the complimentary copy
September 16, 2025
September 16, 2025 Update:
Happy Publishing Day! I highly recommend this memoir to anyone who's interested in journalism and world history.
September 7, 2025 Review:
4.5/5
This was an eye-opening memoir of what life was like as a foreign correspondent/journalist back when the CBC and many other news agencies received a lot more funding than they do now.
This memoir, covering world history spanning from the 1950s to the early 2000s, showcases Brian Stewart's journey of researching and reporting on numerous historical events including, but not limited to the FLQ crisis, Trudeaumania (apparently he was the first to coin the term!), the RCMP's security service scandal, the worst airline terror attach ever (before 9/11), the Gulf War, Ethiopian famine, the end of apartheid in South Africa, and the war in Aghanistan. He has reported from various war-torn countries and interviewed numerous historical figures, including Margaret Thatcher and Nelson Mandela. His portfolio is impressive and he has so many stories to share in his memoir!
I have to note that the first chapter on the Ethiopian famine was incredibly gripping and moving. I was immediately hooked and intrigued by what Stewart's career path looked like. Stewart was one of the first to report on the famine and alert the world to the dire circumstances that Ethiopians were facing. You can watch a clip of his news reel here.
Overall, I learned a lot about world history and politics - this book covered a lot more than what I would've learned at school (I wouldn't have followed any of his news reports as he retired when I was entering high school). I only wish that he provided more insights into how journalism has changed and his thoughts and insights on journalism today, especially as we live in an age of clickbait information and misinformation.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in both Canadian and world history or anyone interested in the art of journalism.
*All quotes are taken from an Advanced Readers Copy and may change prior to the release of the final copy.*
**I received an ARC from the publisher for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.**
Happy Publishing Day! I highly recommend this memoir to anyone who's interested in journalism and world history.
September 7, 2025 Review:
4.5/5
This was an eye-opening memoir of what life was like as a foreign correspondent/journalist back when the CBC and many other news agencies received a lot more funding than they do now.
Despite my exhaustion, I was enthralled by the thought that in three years I'd have covered the fall of Communism in Europe, the fall of the Soviet Empire in Russia, and now, almost certainly, the end of apartheid.
This memoir, covering world history spanning from the 1950s to the early 2000s, showcases Brian Stewart's journey of researching and reporting on numerous historical events including, but not limited to the FLQ crisis, Trudeaumania (apparently he was the first to coin the term!), the RCMP's security service scandal, the worst airline terror attach ever (before 9/11), the Gulf War, Ethiopian famine, the end of apartheid in South Africa, and the war in Aghanistan. He has reported from various war-torn countries and interviewed numerous historical figures, including Margaret Thatcher and Nelson Mandela. His portfolio is impressive and he has so many stories to share in his memoir!
I have to note that the first chapter on the Ethiopian famine was incredibly gripping and moving. I was immediately hooked and intrigued by what Stewart's career path looked like. Stewart was one of the first to report on the famine and alert the world to the dire circumstances that Ethiopians were facing. You can watch a clip of his news reel here.
Overall, I learned a lot about world history and politics - this book covered a lot more than what I would've learned at school (I wouldn't have followed any of his news reports as he retired when I was entering high school). I only wish that he provided more insights into how journalism has changed and his thoughts and insights on journalism today, especially as we live in an age of clickbait information and misinformation.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in both Canadian and world history or anyone interested in the art of journalism.
*All quotes are taken from an Advanced Readers Copy and may change prior to the release of the final copy.*
**I received an ARC from the publisher for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.**
October 18, 2025
I've seen Brian Stewart's face on my TV my whole life, coming from an avid CBC-watching household, so I was interested to pick up his memoir the minute I heard he was publishing one. I actually had no idea, though, that he had made such a major impact on journalism and the world in general throughout his career as a foreign correspondent.
Did I know that this Canadian journalist was the first to be allowed into Ethiopia during the 80's famine, and the one who got the infamous footage of the disaster that spurred the world to action? No, and I'm kind of ashamed of my ignorance. Did I know that Stewart kept in touch with the family of the little girl, Birhan Woldu, whose starving face launched a thousand relief missions, and that he supported them and enabled Birhan to get an education? No, but for that I blame Bob Geldof for never mentioning it when they brought her on stage during the Live 8 anniversary concert.
Anyway. This memoir is full of enlightening information like that, and there's real compassion showing through his journalistic professionalism as he writes. I was too young to be paying much attention to the news at the height of Stewart's career, so I learned a lot about 80s and 90s world events from this book. And I gained a deeper appreciation both for Stewart and for CBC, who truly changed the way the world responds to foreign disasters.
Longer review on my blog: https://worldliteratour.com/review-on...
Did I know that this Canadian journalist was the first to be allowed into Ethiopia during the 80's famine, and the one who got the infamous footage of the disaster that spurred the world to action? No, and I'm kind of ashamed of my ignorance. Did I know that Stewart kept in touch with the family of the little girl, Birhan Woldu, whose starving face launched a thousand relief missions, and that he supported them and enabled Birhan to get an education? No, but for that I blame Bob Geldof for never mentioning it when they brought her on stage during the Live 8 anniversary concert.
Anyway. This memoir is full of enlightening information like that, and there's real compassion showing through his journalistic professionalism as he writes. I was too young to be paying much attention to the news at the height of Stewart's career, so I learned a lot about 80s and 90s world events from this book. And I gained a deeper appreciation both for Stewart and for CBC, who truly changed the way the world responds to foreign disasters.
Longer review on my blog: https://worldliteratour.com/review-on...
October 19, 2025
Brian Stewart is one of my heroes. He writes candidly about his experience fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a foreign correspondent, the thrills and the dangers. In the 1980's first as an OXFAM worker, then as an M.P., I experienced a few of the dangerous places he writes about. His memories validate my own fear of those places. He has a great sense of history.
The book is also a fascinating examination of the decline of news coverage and analysis of world events.
The book is also a fascinating examination of the decline of news coverage and analysis of world events.
October 24, 2025
Very interesting view of the professional life of a foreign correspondent. Honest about the toll the profession takes. Sometimes there was more background information about what he covered than I needed.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews