In a significant shift in the cable news landscape, conservative commentator and journalist Katie Pavlich announced her departure from Fox News on Monday in order to accept a new gig with NewsNation.
Pavlich will be hosting a weeknight primetime program at 10 p.m. Eastern Time, the network announced. The conservative host’s new show, set to debut in early 2026, will replace the slot previously held by Ashleigh Banfield and focus on in-depth analysis of the day’s biggest political news stories, with an emphasis on topics such as free speech, national security, and other pressing issues, according to the program’s description.
In a statement, Pavlich expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, saying she is “honored to join NewsNation during this dynamic period in its development.”
The program is designed to provide viewers with news analysis in a later primetime hour, aligning with NewsNation’s strategy to offer balanced programing.
Before joining Fox News in 2013, Pavlich built a strong foundation in conservative media and journalism. She served as editor for Townhall.com, a leading conservative news and opinion website, and was a contributing editor to Townhall Magazine.
At Fox News, Pavlich became a staple presence over more than a decade, serving as a rotating panelist on popular shows like “Outnumbered” and a frequent guest co-host on “The Five,” the network’s highest-rated program. She contributed regularly to special event coverage, provided political analysis, and filled in as a host on various programs.
Pavlich’s jump to NewsNation comes as the network, owned by Nexstar Media Group, continues its aggressive growth trajectory. Originally launched in September 2020 as a primetime news block on what was then WGN America, NewsNation fully rebranded the channel on March 1, 2021, aiming to position itself as a “centrist” alternative in a polarized cable news market.
The network has said it tries to focus on unbiased, straightforward journalism, distancing itself from the opinion-heavy formats dominant at competitors like Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC.
In recent years, NewsNation has shown remarkable audience growth, emerging as basic cable’s fastest-growing channel. By mid-2025, it reported nearly 50 percent year-over-year increases in total day viewers and 67 percent in the key 25-54 demographic.
Notably, the network has notched several ratings victories over established rivals, including beating both CNN and MSNBC in primetime on certain nights and for extended hours in total viewers and the advertiser-coveted demo. High-profile events, such as town halls and election coverage, have drawn hundreds of thousands of viewers, further boosting its profile.
To fuel this expansion, NewsNation has aggressively recruited notable talent, often from bigger networks. Standouts include former CNN host Chris Cuomo, who anchors a primetime show; ex-Fox News correspondent Leland Vittert, hosting another primetime slot; Dan Abrams with his legal-focused program; and departing anchor Ashleigh Banfield.
