Kennedy's broadcasting career started in 1978 when she applied for a job as continuity announcer at RTÉ. She went on to join the RTÉ News team, becoming a newscaster. She has also presented Eurovision Song Contest 1995, a Saturday night chat show called "Kennedy", and was co-presenter with Marty Whelan on the magazine programme "Open House". She presented "Up for the Match" and the People of the Year Awards, until RTÉ replaced her in both jobs with a younger presenter, Gráinne Seoige.