Katie Pavlich Confirmed as Ashleigh Banfield's Replacement for NewsNation's Prime-Time Slot
A major primetime shakeup is officially underway at NewsNation, and it brings a familiar Fox News face into the spotlight.
Katie Pavlich, 37, has been confirmed as the permanent anchor in Ashleigh Banfield’s former 10 p.m. time slot, following Banfield’s decision to step away from her longtime primetime role. The change was announced on December 12, with Pavlich set to take over the hour in early 2026.
A New Direction for Primetime
While Banfield is not leaving NewsNation, she is stepping away from her crime-focused program, Banfield, to lead the network’s expanding true crime unit. Under the new arrangement, her podcast, Drop Dead Serious with Ashleigh Banfield, will also become part of NewsNation’s digital offerings.
“I’m excited to channel the momentum of my Drop Dead Serious podcast brand towards NewsNation’s growing digital audience,” Banfield said in a statement. She added that the success of true crime reporting on streaming platforms has been “transformative” and said she was looking forward to helping shape and enhance NewsNation’s multi-platform strategy in the genre.
Initially, the 10 p.m. hour was scheduled to rotate hosts; however, the network later announced Pavlich would permanently take over the slot.
From Fox News to NewsNation
Pavlich has been a familiar presence at Fox News since 2013, frequently appearing on programs such as The Five, Jesse Watters Primetime, and Fox News Sunday. Her new show will mark a shift in focus for the 10 p.m. hour, moving away from crime stories and toward daily political coverage.
According to the network, Pavlich’s program will focus on topics including free speech, culture, immigration, national security, and foreign policy.
“I am honored to join NewsNation during this dynamic period in its development, and the opportunity to anchor a primetime program is an exceptional privilege,” Pavlich said. “It’s a front-row seat to history. I can’t wait to buckle in and get started.”
A Veteran Voice Steps Forward
Pavlich brings 16 years of experience in political media. In addition to her television work, she has served as longtime news editor at Townhall.com and authored several political books, including Fast and Furious: Barack Obama’s Bloodiest Scandal and Assault & Flattery: The Truth About the Left and Their War on Women.
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Sean Compton, president of Nexstar Networks, praised the move, emphasizing the network’s commitment to straightforward journalism.
“We’re pleased to give our primetime viewers an additional hour of political news and analysis that helps them make sense of the day’s most important headlines,” Compton said, adding that Pavlich’s “unique voice will be a tremendous asset to our primetime audience.”
A Notable Shift for the Network
With Banfield pivoting to true crime and Pavlich stepping into a politically focused primetime role, the shakeup signals a broader evolution in NewsNation’s evening lineup.
For Pavlich, the move marks a transition from frequent guest appearances to a permanent primetime anchor role. For viewers, it signals the start of a new chapter at 10 p.m., one that shifts away from crime-centered storytelling toward a sharper focus on the political conversations shaping the day.
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