On October 30, 2024, Wally Kennedy, a seasoned broadcaster from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed away at the age of 76. Kennedy’s unique voice and adept interviewing abilities made him a mainstay on local television for over two decades.
His death was caused by lung cancer, as reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Over a span of 20 years, Kennedy hosted several well-known programs at WPVI-TV (6abc) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His shows, including “AM Philadelphia,” “AM Live,” and “Philly After Midnight.” consistently led the Nielsen ratings in their respective time slots.
Bernie Prazenica, 6abc President and General Manager, paid tribute to Kennedy’s unforgettable on-air persona. “Wally had a very distinctive voice and one that was unusually strong and easily remembered,” Prazenica said.
Kennedy’s wide-ranging career saw him interviewing various celebrities, including comedian Rosie O’Donnell, actor John Ritter, and Prince Albert of Monaco. His versatility enabled him to report on diverse topics, from entertainment and true crime to Philadelphia’s social scene.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, and a graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Kennedy’s broadcasting journey included Flint, Michigan and Atlanta, Georgia, before he landed in Philadelphia. His career milestones include a stint at WSB Radio in Atlanta, followed by WCAU radio in Philadelphia in 1981, before moving to WPVI-TV.
Following his departure from 6abc in 2004, Kennedy extended his illustrious broadcasting career with KYW NewsRadio until 2019. He also imparted his wisdom to aspiring journalists as an adjunct professor at Temple University’s School of Journalism and Immaculata University.
In 2011, Kennedy was honored with an induction into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame, acknowledging his significant contributions to local media. During his retirement years, he enjoyed learning about World War II history, watching classic films, and reading to his granddaughter.
Kennedy leaves behind his wife Glendia and his three children.