As Paul Henry’s “sidekick” on his self-titled late-night show, Janika ter Ellen became the centrepiece in an ongoing conversation about TV sexism. Deemed a “pretty face” – the attractive assistant to Paul’s ringmaster – viewers would battle it out each week on social media to defend or criticise Janika’s performance. Yes, Tauranga-born Janika is a blonde bombshell, but you only need to spend a few minutes with the journalist to know there’s more to her than perfectly preened hair.
“I don’t think ‘glamorous’ and ‘feminist’ are mutually exclusive,” the 28-year-old responds when asked about the online criticism. “Isn’t choice the new feminism? I don’t think there needed to be the focus on my looks.”
Fortunately, in her new role as weekday reporter and weekend presenter on Prime News, the focus has shifted from her physical appearance to her critical approach to current affairs – and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It’s nice to be back,” she tells. “I was a bit jealous of the reporters last year. As a news presenter, you don’t get to leave the building much. So it was great to be back chasing stories and cutting through the rubbish.”
After finishing with The Paul Henry Show at the end of last year, Janika took a month off to relax and explore her options, when one finally presented itself – Prime News. Reporting for and fronting the 30-minute bulletin, now produced by media company MediaWorks, wasn’t something she had considered before, but she jumped at the opportunity.
“I get to keep the presenting skills I started building, while also getting out in the field – it’s pretty much perfect! I’m lucky because I get to do a lot of the lead stories, which wouldn’t happen at a bigger station. So while I never imagined working for Prime, now I’m here, it’s fantastic!”
Working closely with veteran broadcaster Eric Young, who returned to the news desk in April, has been one of the biggest highlights for Janika. Her partner, 3 News sports journalist Ross Karl (32), became close friends with Eric through a mutual love of sport, and she had met him briefly a few years before. But it wasn’t until a publicity photoshoot that Janika got to know Eric properly.
“I was like, ‘Oh, hello again!’ It was so awkward because we had to get really close for the photos. We were pressing into each other’s heartbeats, which felt so strange,” she laughs. “But Eric is really good about it all because he’s been doing this for 30 years. Before we even started working together, he was texting me to let me know what he liked and what I could improve on. It’s nice to have someone like that on your side.”
Janika is enjoying getting to know Prime News’ Eric Young.
The other advantage to Janika’s new job is regaining normality in her personal life. Working late nights with The Paul Henry Show, while Ross worked during the day, meant the pair would hardly see each other, which led to an ongoing state of tension in their Auckland house.
“It’s awesome – I actually get to see my boyfriend!” Janika exclaims. “Before, although I didn’t feel that tired, I must have been. And when I came off the show last year, I realised how exhausted I was. It had become normal to feeling slightly annoyed all the time. Ross said recently, ‘You’re not really moody any more, are you?’”
What’s better, MediaWorks allowed Ross and Janika to synchronise their rosters, meaning they are now able to spend Mondays and Tuesdays together.
“I suppose no-one wants to work weekends, so maybe the sports department thought, ‘Yay! Janika’s new job is the best thing that’s ever happened to us!’” she jokes.
But while the new position is clearly a win-win in all aspects of her life, surely Janika misses the rush and unpredictability of working with livewire Paul?
“I don’t have an opportunity to…” she starts. “Because he’s everywhere?” asks the Weekly, referring to Paul Henry’s breakfast show, which is simulcast online, on TV3 and RadioLive each weekday morning. He is everywhere – because his team is right next to Prime!” Janika reveals with a laugh. I’m not a morning person, so I’ll be whimpering over my coffee and he’ll come in and yell, ‘Hello Janika!’” she tells, imitating that distinctive voice. “Needless to say, I miss him less when he’s deciding to entertain me at that hour of the morning!”
Catch Janika on Prime News, every day at 5.30pm.
WATCH: Janika ter Ellen in her former role on The Paul Henry Show
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