Nexstar Media Group’s NewsNation cable news network has struck a new partnership with journalist Ashleigh Banfield that sees her lead its true crime digital vertical and stepping away from her nightly over-the-air program.
As part of the new agreement, content from the podcast “Drop Dead Serious with Ashleigh Banfield” will be made available on NewsNation. “To dedicate her full attention” to the podcast, Banfield will step away from her role producing and hosting “Banfield,” NewsNation’s nightly live television true crime program.
Michael Corn, President of Programming & Specials at NewsNation, commented, “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. In recent years, the true-crime genre has surged across streaming and podcast platforms, with fans watching, listening, scrolling, and downloading in record numbers. Audiences increasingly expect to engage with their favorite content whenever and wherever they want.”
He stresses that Banfield will retain a regular presence on the network as a contributor, albeit with less screen time than today.
In prepared comments, Banfield said, “The success of true crime reporting on streaming media platforms has been transformative, and I’m looking forward to helping shape and enhance NewsNation’s multi-platform strategy in this genre.”
The last episode of “Banfield” will air in January 2026, after which a slate of rotating anchors will helm the 10pm Eastern hour until a permanent successor offering is revealed.
Banfield joined NewsNation nearly five years ago, in Spring 2021. Her resume includes stints at MSNBC, NBC, ABC CNN, HLN, and Court TV.
