On-Air Shifts: Banfield to Lead NewsNation True Crime vertical, Jones Named ‘Today’ Co-Host

Top of the Ticker: NewsNation’s Ashleigh Banfield will be leaving her 10 p.m. ET weeknight show, Banfield, to lead the news network’s new true crime digital vertical, set to debut in 2026. Her long-running podcast, Drop Dead Serious with Ashleigh Banfield, will also be available on NewsNation.

Michael Corn, president of programming adn specials, stated Banfield’s “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.” She will anchor her final show in January 2026 and will continue to provide expert legal analysis for NewsNation.

“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,” said Banfield. The network announced a slate of rotating anchors will fill the 10 p.m. ET slot until a permanent host is named.

Fourth hour co-host: Shenielle Jones has been named Jenna Bush Hager‘s permanent co-host for the fourth hour of NBC News’ Today. Jones, who will depart from the third hour of Today, begins her new assignment on Jan. 12, 2026. She replaces Hoda Kotb, who left the network in early January. Since Kotb’s departure, 60 co-hosts and guests have appeared alongside Bush Hager, including Jones, former first lady michelle Obama, Sheryl Crowe, Halle Berry, Taraji P.Henson, Scarlett Johansson, John Legend, Rosie Perez, Regina Hall, Leslie Bibb, and Henry Winkler.