A familiar face on Fox News is making a major career move.
Katie Pavlich, a popular Fox News contributor, has been confirmed as the new prime-time anchor at NewsNation, stepping into the 10 p.m. slot previously held by Ashleigh Banfield, following the veteran host’s surprise exit from the role.
NewsNation announced the shake-up on December 12, revealing that Pavlich, 37, will officially take over the hour in early 2026 after years of regular appearances across Fox News programming, including The Five, Jesse Watters Primetime, and Fox News Sunday.
Banfield Stays — But Shifts Focus
Despite leaving her nightly crime-focused show Banfield, Ashleigh Banfield, 57, is not departing the network.
Instead, she will take on a new leadership role, heading NewsNation’s true crime unit while expanding the network’s digital presence. Under the new agreement, Banfield’s popular podcast, Drop Dead Serious with Ashleigh Banfield, will also become available on NewsNation platforms.
“I’m excited to channel the momentum of my Drop Dead Serious podcast brand toward NewsNation’s growing digital audience,” Banfield said in a statement.
“The success of true crime on streaming platforms has been transformative, and I look forward to helping shape NewsNation’s multi-platform strategy in this space.”
Originally, the 10 p.m. hour was expected to rotate guest hosts. The network later confirmed that Pavlich will permanently anchor the slot.
A New Direction for Prime Time
Pavlich’s upcoming show will mark a shift away from crime coverage, focusing instead on daily political news and analysis. NewsNation said the program will tackle major issues including free speech, culture, immigration, national security, and foreign policy.
“I’m honored to join NewsNation during such a dynamic moment in its growth,” Pavlich said.
“The opportunity to anchor a prime-time show is a tremendous privilege. I look forward to bringing a fresh perspective and creating a space for thoughtful debate across a wide range of viewpoints. It’s a front-row seat to history—I can’t wait to get started.”
A Veteran Voice in Political Media
Pavlich brings 16 years of experience in political journalism. She previously served as longtime news editor at the conservative website Townhall.com and is the author of 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.
Network Leadership Weighs In
Sean Compton, president of Nexstar Networks, praised the move, emphasizing NewsNation’s editorial mission.
“We’re pleased to offer our primetime viewers an additional hour of political news and analysis to help them understand the day’s most important stories,” Compton said.
“NewsNation is committed to straightforward, fact-based journalism for all Americans, including diverse viewpoints and original ideas.”
He added that Pavlich’s “unique voice will be a tremendous asset to our primetime audience.”
