Cable news network NewsNation announced Monday that it has signed political analyst and conservative commentator Katie Pavlich to host a new primetime program airing at 10 p.m., marking a significant addition to the channel’s expanding lineup of political coverage. Pavlich, who spent more than a decade as a contributor and analyst at Fox News Channel, is scheduled to begin her new role in 2026. She will take over the hour previously hosted by Ashleigh Banfield, a move first reported by The Hill. NewsNation confirmed that Banfield will remain with the network and transition to overseeing its true crime digital segment, underscoring the company’s broader strategy to diversify its programming across both linear and digital platforms. Pavlich’s arrival reflects NewsNation’s continued effort to bolster its primetime offerings by recruiting established media personalities with strong followings and extensive experience in political commentary. The network, owned by Nexstar Media Group, has increasingly positioned itself as an alternative to legacy cable news outlets, promising fact-based reporting while providing space for a range of political perspectives. By placing Pavlich in a prominent primetime slot, NewsNation is signaling its confidence in her ability to attract viewers and generate engagement during one of the most competitive hours in cable news.

According to the network, Pavlich’s show will focus heavily on political and cultural issues, with coverage spanning free speech, immigration, national security, foreign policy, and broader debates shaping American society. NewsNation said the program will emphasize spirited debates, dynamic panel discussions, and in-depth conversations with influential newsmakers, blending traditional cable news formats with longer-form analysis. Sean Compton, president of Nexstar Networks, highlighted the significance of the new show in a statement announcing the hire, noting that the network aims to provide viewers with context and clarity around the day’s most consequential headlines. Compton said the addition of another hour of primetime political analysis aligns with NewsNation’s broader mission of delivering straightforward journalism while showcasing diverse viewpoints. He praised Pavlich as a seasoned journalist and commentator whose distinct voice would add value to the network’s growing audience. The announcement reflects a continued trend in cable news, where networks seek recognizable personalities to anchor primetime hours in an increasingly fragmented media landscape shaped by streaming platforms, social media, and shifting viewer habits.

Pavlich, for her part, expressed enthusiasm about joining NewsNation at what she described as a pivotal moment in the network’s development. In her own statement, she said she looked forward to bringing a fresh perspective to national news coverage while fostering thoughtful debate across a wide spectrum of opinions. She characterized the opportunity to anchor a primetime program as both an honor and a significant professional milestone, describing the role as a “front row seat to history.” Pavlich emphasized her interest in creating a forum where challenging conversations can take place without sacrificing civility or depth, a theme NewsNation has repeatedly emphasized as part of its brand identity. Her comments reflect an ambition to blend sharp political analysis with substantive discussion, rather than relying solely on partisan confrontation. As cable news continues to evolve, Pavlich’s stated approach suggests an effort to balance ideological clarity with broader audience appeal, particularly among viewers seeking alternatives to more overtly partisan programming.

Before joining NewsNation, Pavlich built a long career in conservative media, most notably as the chief news editor of Townhall.com, a position she held for more than 15 years. The website has long been a prominent platform for conservative commentary, opinion, and political analysis, and Pavlich played a central role in shaping its editorial voice. She recently stepped away from that role, according to Variety, clearing the way for her transition to full-time television hosting. In addition to her work at Townhall, Pavlich became a familiar face to cable news audiences through her regular appearances on Fox News Channel beginning in 2013. Over the years, she served as a political contributor, appeared frequently on “The Five,” and guest-hosted several primetime programs. Her tenure at Fox News helped establish her national profile and provided her with extensive on-air experience, making her a natural fit for a primetime hosting role at another network seeking to expand its political footprint.

Pavlich is also a bestselling author, with several books that have contributed to her prominence within conservative political circles. Her 2012 book, Fast and Furious: Barack Obama’s Bloodiest Scandal, examined Operation Fast and Furious, a controversial law enforcement initiative overseen by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives during the Obama administration. The operation involved allowing firearms to be purchased illegally and transported across the U.S.-Mexico border in an effort to track them to higher-level drug trafficking organizations. However, many of the weapons were lost track of, and some were later linked to violent crimes in both Mexico and the United States, including the 2010 killing of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. The operation sparked widespread criticism and congressional investigations, becoming a flashpoint in debates over federal law enforcement practices and gun policy. Pavlich also authored Assault & Flattery: The Truth About the Left and Their War on Women in 2014, further cementing her reputation as a sharp critic of Democratic policies and progressive political movements. These works have helped define her public persona and are likely to influence the themes and perspectives she brings to her NewsNation program.

At NewsNation, Pavlich will join a roster of former Fox News personalities, including Leland Vittert, Chris Stirewalt, and Geraldo Rivera, reflecting the network’s ongoing strategy of recruiting established figures from across the cable news spectrum. The addition of Pavlich reinforces NewsNation’s ambition to compete more directly in the crowded primetime news arena by blending recognizable voices with its stated commitment to fact-based journalism. As the network continues to evolve, Pavlich’s show is expected to play a key role in shaping its political identity and attracting viewers interested in robust debate and in-depth analysis. With her extensive background in conservative media, experience as a television commentator, and history as a bestselling author, Pavlich enters the role with a built-in audience and a clear ideological perspective. How her program ultimately resonates with NewsNation’s broader viewership will likely influence the network’s future direction as it seeks to carve out a distinct space in the ever-changing cable news landscape.