Kennedy Hayes

Kennedy Hayes joined the WAVE News team in January 2022 as a multi-media journalist.

Kennedy has always had a passion for storytelling. She grew up in Chicago and New Jersey and is thrilled to call the commonwealth her new home.

Before arriving in Louisville, Kennedy graduated early from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in December 2021, earning Bachelor of Arts degrees in Journalism and Public Relations Strategic Communication.

During her college years, Kennedy was selected as a Hunt Leadership Scholar based on outstanding high school achievement and leadership skills. She was also a Hilltop Scholar, Emma Bowen Foundation Fellow, and recipient of the Belo Foundation Scholarship.

While in Dallas, she covered several major stories, including the Amber Guyger Trial, COVID-19, 2020 Presidential Election, and Texas Winter Storm, also known as the 2021 Texas power crisis. She also had the opportunity to study Mass Media abroad across Great Britain.

Kennedy was heavily involved in her University media, serving as a Reporter and Junior Executive Producer for their student-run daily newscast, The Daily Update, and remote newscast Current Issues in the News. She also co-hosted, co-produced, and co-anchored a political segment called “Real Talk” and led as Senior News Editor for the news online publication, The Daily Campus.

She also interned for WFLD FOX 32 Chicago and NPR’s THINK show with Krys Boyd.

Kennedy is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists. She also loves to travel to experience the world, different places, people, and perspectives.

When she is not covering the news, you might find her trying a new restaurant, planning her next trip, or having a blast at an Orangetheory Fitness class.

Kennedy is excited to get to know you. Feel free to send any story ideas at Kennedy.Hayes@wave3.com.