Katie Pavlich, who has worked as a contributor and substitute host for Fox News Channel in recent years, is leaving her roles at that outlet to join NewsNation at its new 10 p.m. host.
Pavlich’s new show will debut in the slot currently occupied by Ashleigh Banfield’s program, which has typically focused on issues of justice and true crime. Banfield is stepping away from the linear show to focus on a true crime podcast and to lead a NewsNation vertical devoted to crime coverage. The Nexstar-backed outlet is expected to use some of her podcast as part of a new arrangement.
Pavlich’s program will launch in early 2026.
Executives at NewsNation felt viewers wanted more news analysis at 10 p.m., and may not have been as interested in a focus on crime at that hour. “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,” said Sean Compton, president of Nexstar Networks, in a statement. “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 primetime audience.”
Pavlich will represent the second personality previously associated with Fox News Channel to hold a primetime slot on NewsNation. Leland Vittert, who worked as a reporter at Fox News, is NewsNation’s 9 p.m. anchor. Elizabeth Vargas, best known for her long tenure with ABC News, leads NewsNation’s 7 p.m. broadcast, while Chris Cuomo, who held long stints at both ABC News and CNN, anchors 9 p.m.
Pavlich recently stepped away from a years-long stint with the conservative website Townhall.com. Since 2013, she has appeared on Fox News as a contributor, a guest co-host for “The Five,” the network’s most-watched program, and as a fill-in host in other parts of the schedule. She has written books including “Assault & Flattery: The Truth About the Left and Their War on Women.” She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Arizona.
“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,” she said in a statement. “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.”
