Janine Jansen: The Trusted BBC Spotlight Journalist Balancing Broadcasting Excellence and Elite Eventing

Janine Jansen is a highly respected British television presenter, senior journalist, and video journalist who has become a familiar and trusted face on BBC Spotlight in the South West of England. With a career spanning more than two decades at the BBC, she represents a generation of journalists who combine traditional reporting values with modern, multi-skilled broadcasting.

Known for her professionalism, calm authority on screen, and deep connection to the region she serves, Janine Jansen has built a reputation not only as a dependable news presenter but also as a journalist with remarkable versatility. Alongside her broadcasting career, she is also a committed national-level dressage and event rider, successfully managing two demanding worlds with discipline and determination.

Who Is Janine Jansen?

Janine Jansen BBC Spotlight Presenter and Journalist

Janine Jansen is a TV presenter, senior journalist, and video journalist at BBC Spotlight, the BBC’s regional news programme covering the South West of England. Based primarily in Devon and Plymouth, she regularly presents early and lunchtime bulletins and reports on a wide range of regional stories affecting local communities.

She is widely recognised as part of the “new breed” of BBC journalists — professionals who can research, film, edit, write, and present their own stories. This skill set has allowed her to remain relevant and highly valued throughout major changes in broadcast journalism.

Janine Jansen’s Early Life and Background

Where Janine Jansen Comes From

She was born in Essex and moved to Dorset at the age of nine. From a young age, she showed a clear ambition to work in broadcasting, once famously telling her family that she wanted to be a newsreader when she grew up.

Before entering journalism, Janine followed a very different path. She was deeply involved in equestrian sport, competing in three-day eventing. This early sporting career instilled the discipline, resilience, and time management skills that would later define both her professional and personal life.

Janine Jansen and the University of Cambridge

Janine entered formal education later than many of her peers, completing her A-levels as a mature student at Harlow College. Her academic ability and determination earned her a place at the University of Cambridge, where she studied English Literature.

She later completed a postgraduate qualification in Broadcast Journalism at Highbury College in Portsmouth, a course that marked the formal beginning of her broadcasting career.

Her educational background in English and journalism is evident in her clear communication style, strong editorial judgement, and confident on-screen presence.

Janine Jansen’s Career at the BBC

Early Career in Broadcasting

Janine’s first experience with the BBC came through BBC Radio Solent, where she contributed a weekly soap update. She has often recalled receiving her first BBC payment of just five pounds — a moment that symbolised the beginning of a long and successful relationship with the organisation.

She later gained experience in the sports department at Meridian Television in Southampton, before securing a more permanent role at BBC Radio Jersey in 1998.

BBC Radio Jersey (1998–2000)

During her two years at BBC Radio Jersey, Janine presented:

• Multiple radio programmes

• A weekly political discussion show

• Television news bulletins

This period was crucial in shaping her skills as both a presenter and a journalist.

Janine Jansen at BBC Spotlight

In 2000, Janine Jansen moved to Plymouth to join BBC Spotlight, where she has remained ever since. Over the years, she has:

• Presented early and lunchtime news bulletins

• Reported on regional politics, social issues, and community stories

• Filmed and edited her own reports as a video journalist

Her longevity at BBC Spotlight reflects not only her talent but also the trust placed in her by both editors and audiences across the South West.

Janine Jansen and Inside Out South West

Additional BBC Presenting Work

Alongside BBC Spotlight, Janine has also presented Inside Out South West, a BBC regional current affairs programme. She stepped into the role during a maternity cover period, further demonstrating her adaptability and on-screen confidence.

This work allowed her to explore longer-form investigations and feature-led storytelling, expanding her broadcasting portfolio beyond daily news.

Janine Jansen Age

Janine Jansen was born in June 1970.

• Current age: 55 As of June 2025

Her career timeline, academic history, and public records all align consistently with this date of birth.

Janine Jansen Husband and Personal Life

Janine Jansen is married to Peter Holdgate, a former media professional. Together, they live in South Devon, on the edge of Dartmoor, an area Janine has described as deeply important to her sense of wellbeing and identity.

Peter now manages their equestrian operation full-time, allowing Janine to balance her demanding BBC career with her sporting commitments.

Janine Jansen and Eventing

Janine Jansen as an Event Rider

Beyond journalism, Janine is a British event rider and national-level dressage competitor. Horses have been a central part of her life since childhood, and she continues to compete seriously while working full time at the BBC.

Jansen Eventing

Janine and her husband run Jansen Eventing, a private competition yard located between Ashburton and Newton Abbot in South Devon. The yard:

• Houses multiple competition horses

• Breeds and develops young horses

• Supports eventing and dressage competition

Janine often rides several horses in a single day, sometimes before and after long BBC shifts, highlighting her exceptional work ethic and passion.

Public Presence and Professional Values

Janine Jansen on Social Media

Janine maintains a professional and carefully managed presence on social media. She is clear that:

• She does not endorse products

• She does not appear in advertisements

• Her accounts are used for work updates and equestrian interests

This approach reflects BBC editorial standards and her own commitment to professional integrity.

Why Janine Jansen Is Respected

Key Strengths

• Over 25 years of BBC experience

• Strong regional knowledge of the South West

• Multi-skilled video journalism expertise

• Academic background from Cambridge

• Ability to balance elite sport with broadcasting

• Trusted, familiar presence for viewers

Her career demonstrates consistency, credibility, and dedication — qualities that continue to resonate with audiences.

Quick Info

Conclusion

Janine Jansen is far more than a regional news presenter. She is a seasoned BBC journalist, a Cambridge graduate, a committed event rider, and a professional who has successfully balanced two demanding careers for more than two decades.

With her deep roots in the South West, long-standing role at BBC Spotlight, and unwavering commitment to both journalism and sport, Janine Jansen remains a respected and enduring figure in British regional broadcasting.

Her story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and passion — qualities that explain why she continues to earn the trust of viewers and colleagues alike.

FAQs

1. Who is Janine Jansen?

Janine Jansen is a British TV presenter, senior journalist, and video journalist who works for BBC Spotlight in the South West of England. She has been with the BBC for over two decades and is known for presenting regional news and producing her own filmed reports.

2. How old is Janine Jansen?

Janine Jansen is 55 years old. She was born in June 1970 and turned 55 in June 2025.

3. Is Janine Jansen married?

Yes, Janine Jansen is married. Her husband is Peter Holdgate, a former media professional who now manages their equestrian yard in South Devon.

4. What programme is Janine Jansen on at the BBC?

Janine Jansen is a presenter and journalist on BBC Spotlight, the BBC’s regional news programme for the South West of England. She has also presented Inside Out South West, a regional current affairs programme.

5. What else is Janine Jansen known for besides journalism?

In addition to her BBC career, Janine Jansen is a national-level dressage and event rider. She runs Jansen Eventing with her husband and competes in eventing and dressage while working full time at the BBC.

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