Ashleigh Banfield Leads NewsNation True Crime Vertical
- This report summarizes recent personnel changes and recognitions within the media landscape, as of January 2026.
- * Ashleigh Banfield: Transitioning from anchoring the 10 p.m.
- * Shenielle Jones: Named the permanent co-host of the fourth hour of NBC News' Today, alongside Jenna Bush Hager, beginning January 12, 2026.
Media Moves: January 2026 – A roundup
Table of Contents
– victoriasterling
This report summarizes recent personnel changes and recognitions within the media landscape, as of January 2026.
NewsNation Updates
* Ashleigh Banfield: Transitioning from anchoring the 10 p.m. ET weeknight show, banfield, to lead NewsNation’s new true crime digital vertical, launching in 2026. Her podcast, Drop Dead Serious with Ashleigh Banfield, will also be available on NewsNation.She will continue to provide legal analysis for the network. Her final show as anchor is in January 2026.
* 10 p.m. ET Slot: A rotating roster of anchors will fill the 10 p.m. ET slot until a permanent host is named.
* Michael corn: President of Programming and Specials at NewsNation, highlighted Banfield’s suitability for the true crime vertical due to her “storytelling and credibility.”
NBC’s today Show Changes
* Shenielle Jones: Named the permanent co-host of the fourth hour of NBC News’ Today, alongside Jenna Bush Hager, beginning January 12, 2026. She is moving from the third hour of Today.
* Hoda Kotb: Previously co-hosted the fourth hour but departed the network in early january 2026.
* guest Co-Hosts: Following kotb’s departure, 60 different co-hosts and guests filled the role temporarily, including:
* Michelle Obama
* Sheryl Crowe
* Halle Berry
* Taraji P. Henson
* Scarlett Johansson
* John legend
* Rosie Perez
* Regina Hall
* Leslie Bibb
* Henry Winkler
Power Players Recognition
* Suzanne Scott (Fox News Media CEO): Featured on Forbes’ World’s 100 Most Powerful Women of 2025 list.
* Bari Weiss (CBS News editor in Chief): Also featured on Forbes’ World’s 100 Most Powerful Women of 2025 list.
Forbes’ World’s 100 Most Powerful Women – Key Metrics:
| Metric | Description |
|---|---|
| Money | Economic power commanded by the individual. |
| Media | Influence through media presence and reach. |
| Impact | the extent of the individual’s influence on global events and trends. |
| Spheres of Influence | The breadth of areas where the individual exerts power. |
| Combined Economic Power | $37 Trillion |
| People Influenced | Over 1 Billion |