Nexstar Media Group’s cable network NewsNation has filled the 10 p.m. slot being vacated by current host Ashleigh Banfield, with a new political news program set to take over in early 2026.
The program will be hosted by Katie Pavlich, the editor of the right-of-center news website Townhall and a former political contributor at the Fox News Channel, where she also served as guest host of its highly-rated roundtable discussion program “The Five.”
NewsNation is hoping Pavlich will bring some of that same ratings magic to its channel, which trails its competitors in the prime-time ratings but has seen its audience grow significantly over the past few years.
“We’re pleased to give our prime-time viewers an additional hour of political news and analysis that helps them make sense of the day’s most important headlines,” Sean Compton, the President of Nexstar Networks, said in a statement on Monday. “NewsNation has always been committed to delivering straightforward, fact-based journalism for all Americans, which includes presenting diverse viewpoints and original ideas. Katie is a seasoned journalist and commentator, and we believe her unique voice will be a tremendous asset to our prime-time audience.”
“I am honored to join NewsNation during this dynamic period in its development, and the opportunity to anchor a prime-time program is an exceptional privilege,” Pavlich said. “I look forward to bringing a fresh perspective on the news to Americans across the country, while presenting a venue for thoughtful debate across a wide spectrum of opinions. It’s a front row seat to history – I can’t wait to buckle in and get started.”
NewsNation said Pavlich’s show will dive into hot-button political issues like free speech, culture and immigration, flanked by panel discussions and in-depth conversations with newsmakers of the week.
Last week, the network announced Banfield, its currently 10 p.m. host, is stepping away from that part of the job in January. She will remain at the channel as an on-air legal contributor and in digital roles focused on true-crime stories.
In its announcement on Banfield’s transition, NewsNation said a rotating panel of anchors will cover news stories at 10 p.m. after she vacates that time slot. That will still be the case until Pavlich’s show launches.
