Viewers are curious to know why Ashleigh Banfield is leaving NewsNation Prime, which airs on the Nexstar Media–backed network. She joined the network in 2021 as the host of the 10:00 p.m. weekday show. With her final on-air appearance scheduled for January, Banfield is set to begin a new chapter in her professional life. She’ll, however, continue to be a contributor at the network.
Here’s why Banfield is departing NewsNation Prime.
Is Ashleigh Banfield Leaving NewsNation Prime, and why?
Banfield is leaving NewsNation Prime to focus on her true-crime podcast called “Drop Dead Serious with Ashleigh Banfield.” It will also be available on NewsNation.
Banfield has entered into a new partnership with the network, in which she will remain affiliated as a legal analyst and spearhead the true-crime vertical. In the statement, she addressed her latest professional move, shifting from NewsNation Prime to her own podcast at the network.
Displaying her gratitude for the new opportunity, she said, “I’m excited to channel the momentum of my Drop Dead Serious podcast brand towards NewsNation’s growing digital audience. 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.”
Michael Corn, President of Programming and Specials, addressed the latest partnership with Banfield in a statement. He praised the host’s contributions and emphasized that they intend to keep her as a key voice at their network’s coverage. “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,” Corn said.
With Banfield exiting NewsNation Prime, a rotating group of hosts will take over the 10:00 p.m. weekday time slot. The show will be rebranded with a new format and name, with further details expected to be announced this month.
