Nischelle Turner: Breaking Barriers and Shattering Stereotypes in Entertainment Journalism

Nischelle Turner: A Journey from Farm Life to Stardom

From her humble beginnings on a farm in Missouri to becoming a co-host of the top-rated entertainment news show, Nischelle Turner’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Turner, who grew up as an only child on a farm where her family raised pigs and kept horses, was not your typical candidate for a media star. Despite being teased at school for her unique interests and way of speaking, Turner always stayed true to herself.

Embracing Uniqueness

Turner’s story is a testament to the power of embracing one’s uniqueness. She recalls, “I always marched to the beat of my own drum. The very first album I got was Garth Brooks’s No Fences. The teasing never bothered me.” Her ability to stay true to herself, despite societal pressures, has been a key factor in her success. “Your weirdness will win out—because all the things people thought made me weird growing up are the things that serve me well today,” she says.

From Aspiring Lawyer to Entertainment Journalism

Turner’s career path was not straightforward. Initially, she aspired to be a lawyer or a print journalist. However, a pivotal moment came when she saw a Black woman anchor on the local TV station. “I immediately sat up—it was like a bolt of electricity went right through me,” she recalls. This moment inspired her to pursue a career in broadcast journalism. She took media and communications classes in high school and continued her education at the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

Rising Through the Ranks

Turner’s career began in 1998 when she joined WEHT as a reporter and fill-in anchor in Evansville, Indiana. Her talent and dedication quickly propelled her through the ranks. She moved to WVUE Fox 8 in New Orleans in 2000 and later joined KTTV in Los Angeles in 2004. Her coverage of Hurricane Katrina and the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma are among the most memorable points in her career.

Breaking Stereotypes in Sports Journalism

In 2007, Turner received an offer to cover NFL games for Fox Sports. Despite not fitting the typical mold of a sports journalist, Turner’s passion for sports and her unique perspective made her a standout. Her work in sports journalism raised her national profile and led to opportunities in other arenas, including co-hosting a celebrity-focused web series, Extra on Essence.

Joining Entertainment Tonight

Turner’s hard work and relatability caught the attention of industry leaders. In 2014, she received a call to co-host Entertainment Tonight, the gold standard of entertainment journalism. “CNN was the gold standard for news journalism, so why not join the gold standard of entertainment journalism?” she says. Her unique ability to connect with people on a personal level has made her a beloved figure in entertainment journalism.

The Power of Authenticity

Turner’s success is a testament to the power of authenticity. Her co-host, Kevin Frazier, attests to this: “I’m lucky enough to work with someone who I consider family. Nischelle has been so good for so long—she has truly done it all at the highest levels—so I trust her instincts on everything, every day.” Turner’s ability to stay true to herself and connect with others has made her a standout in the industry.

For more insights into Turner’s journey and the world of entertainment journalism, you can visit Executive Woman Media.