Ashleigh Banfield to Exit NewsNation Primetime in Favor of Podcast

Ashleigh Banfield is set to step down from her primetime slot on NewsNation to focus on her own true-crime podcast, as announced by the Nexstar-backed media outlet on Friday. However, she will continue to contribute to the network and will also lead a true-crime digital vertical.

In a new partnership, content from Banfield’s podcast, “Drop Dead Serious with Ashleigh Banfield,” will now be available on NewsNation. Banfield has been hosting a show on NewsNation at 10 p.m. on weekdays since 2021, but her final linear broadcast will be in January. The network plans to have a rotation of anchors fill the time slot for the immediate future.

Michael Corn, president of programming and specials at NewsNation, praised Banfield’s storytelling and credibility, stating, “Ashleigh is truly one of the best at what she does. Her storytelling and credibility make her the perfect partner as we build a digital destination for true crime fans while keeping her voice central to our on-air coverage.”

Banfield joins other well-known personalities at NewsNation who have explored new opportunities with the outlet as the allure of personal digital projects grows. Dan Abrams, a prominent figure who initially joined the network’s lineup, departed in early 2025 to focus on his other business ventures.

NewsNation, which also features Chris Cuomo, Elizabeth Vargas, and Leland Vittert during prime evening hours, has not yet named a replacement for Banfield. Her program, “Banfield,” airs at 10 p.m. and highlights significant crime and justice stories in the news.

Banfield’s contract was last renewed in 2024, with NewsNation acknowledging her exceptional coverage of crime and the justice system. In a statement, Banfield expressed excitement about leveraging the success of her podcast brand to engage with NewsNation’s expanding digital audience. She emphasized the transformative impact of true crime reporting on streaming platforms and looks forward to contributing to NewsNation’s multi-platform strategy in this genre.

The transition of Ashleigh Banfield from NewsNation’s primetime lineup to focusing on her true-crime podcast marks a new chapter for both her career and the network. As she continues to make waves in the world of crime reporting, her presence and expertise will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on NewsNation’s digital platforms.