Nischelle Turner Named ‘Leisure Tonight’ Co-Host, First Black Lady To Anchor

Veteran broadcast journalist Nischelle Turner has made historical past at CBS by turning into the primary Black girl to host “Leisure Tonight.” 

Turner hosted her first episode on Thursday alongside Kevin Frazier, who can also be Black. She is the primary girl of colour to be a bunch on the present, and this marks the primary time “ET” will probably be anchored by two Black individuals — or two individuals of colour — in a full-time capability, Selection reported.

The four-time Daytime Emmy-winning journalist beforehand served as a correspondent and weekend co-host on “ET,” which she joined in 2014. Turner can also be a longtime contributor for CNN. 

Turner celebrated her new gig by paying homage to different inspiring Black girls and girls of colour who’ve labored within the journalism and leisure industries. 

“My gratitude is deep and my dedication to representing is powerful,” she wrote within the caption of an Instagram publish. 

She additionally referenced her historic promotion in a assertion, saying she has mirrored on the “legacy of Black girls on this enterprise who’ve paved the best way for me.”

Turner additionally posted a picture on Instagram displaying her and Frazier, whom she known as her good friend and brother, consuming rooster and waffles. 

“THIS image REALLY embodies who we’re,” she wrote, noting that she had initially meant on posting a “glamorous shot” of them collectively. “The truth is, the conversations now we have over lunch simply chillin is strictly what our viewers will get. Authentically us. I do know you’re all the time able to work and I’m so able to match your fly.” 

Turner, who was raised on a farm in Columbia, Missouri, started her journalism profession at an ABC affiliate in Evansville, Indiana. She went on to work at WVUE-TV Fox8 in New Orleans, then at KTTV in Los Angeles as a reporter for “Good Day LA” and anchor for “Good Day LA Weekend.” She later returned to New Orleans to cowl Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, and joined CNN in 2011.

Turner has additionally been named host of the brand new CBS collection “Secret Superstar Renovation,” which is about to premiere this summer time. 

“ET” government producer Erin Johnson mentioned in an announcement that Turner can “do all of it.”

“She will be able to go from a heartfelt dialog with Oscar winner Viola Davis concerning the affect of Cicely Tyson to singing karaoke on a balcony with Jimmy Fallon,” Johnson mentioned. “She is heat, considerate, and stuffed with vitality.”