NewsNation is undergoing a major primetime reshuffle, bringing a familiar face from Fox News into its evening lineup. Katie Pavlich, 37, has been confirmed as the permanent anchor for the 10 p.m. hour, previously held by Ashleigh Banfield. The announcement was made on December 12, with Pavlich set to officially take over in early 2026.
A New Direction for Primetime
Ashleigh Banfield is not leaving NewsNation but is stepping back from her crime-focused program, Banfield, to lead the network’s expanding true crime division. Alongside this transition, her podcast, Drop Dead Serious with Ashleigh Banfield, will join NewsNation’s digital offerings, further strengthening the network’s presence across multiple platforms.
“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 rise of true crime reporting on streaming platforms has been “transformative” and expressed enthusiasm for helping shape NewsNation’s multi-platform strategy in the genre.
Initially, the 10 p.m. slot was intended to rotate hosts, but the network ultimately announced that Pavlich would assume the hour permanently.
From Fox News to NewsNation
Pavlich has been a recognizable figure at Fox News since 2013, frequently appearing on programs such as The Five, Jesse Watters Primetime, and Fox News Sunday. Her new role at NewsNation marks a shift in focus for the 10 p.m. hour, transitioning from crime stories to political coverage.
According to the network, Pavlich’s program will cover 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 in Political Media
Pavlich brings 16 years of experience in political journalism. Beyond 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.
Sean Compton, president of Nexstar Networks, praised the appointment, highlighting the network’s commitment to direct, informed 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. He added that Pavlich’s “unique voice will be a tremendous asset to our primetime audience.”
The Broader Impact on NewsNation
The primetime changes signal a wider evolution in NewsNation’s evening schedule. With Banfield pivoting to focus on true crime and Pavlich anchoring a politically focused program, the network is repositioning the 10 p.m. hour to engage viewers in the day’s political conversations rather than crime-centered reporting.
For Pavlich, this move represents a significant transition from frequent guest appearances to a permanent primetime anchor role. For viewers, it offers a fresh perspective at a key hour, with emphasis on news analysis and political discourse.
The 10 p.m. shakeup reflects NewsNation’s broader strategy to diversify content and expand its primetime reach, balancing true crime coverage with political news while leveraging the distinctive voices of its anchors. Pavlich’s appointment demonstrates the network’s commitment to providing informed commentary and context for its audience during a critical time slot.
Conclusion
Katie Pavlich’s arrival at NewsNation marks both a personal milestone in her career and a strategic evolution for the network’s primetime lineup. As Ashleigh Banfield shifts her focus to true crime reporting and digital content, the 10 p.m. hour will offer viewers consistent political coverage delivered by an experienced journalist.
For NewsNation, the changes underscore a commitment to diversifying its programming while retaining trusted voices. For viewers, the shakeup promises a new chapter in evening news, blending analysis, commentary, and reporting at a time when informed political discussion is increasingly in demand.
