Matthew Peddie
Host, Florida Matters Live & LocalI am the host of WUSF's Florida Matters Live & Local, where I get to indulge my curiosity in people and explore the endlessly fascinating stories that connect this community.
I’m originally from New Zealand, but I’ve lived in Florida for more than a decade. Among my first assignments as a radio reporter in the Sunshine state were covering the retirement of the iconic space shuttles and the dawn of the new commercial space race. I’ve also reported on Central Florida’s booming economy and its flip side: the affordable housing and homelessness crisis, and I’ve covered hurricanes and closely watched presidential elections.
Before WUSF I spent 10 years at WMFE in Orlando, where my roles included transportation reporter, acting news director and hosting the public affairs show Intersection. Working as a journalist in Florida has honed my skills as a host and developed my appreciation for the power of public radio to help illuminate complex issues. Prior to moving to the US I worked as a radio reporter in New Zealand, and my journalism career has taken me as far south as Scott Base, Antarctica.
Outside of work I enjoy sketching, street hockey, watching cricket and exploring Florida’s great outdoors with my family.
Contact Matthew at 813-974-8680, on X @matthew_peddie or by email at mpeddie@wusf.org
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Byron Donalds will be governor, Ashley Moody turned back Angie Nixon and Amendment 3 passed. But what about Congress? What about Texas?! We try to break it down on "Florida Matters Live & Local." -
We discuss some of the more closely watched races and issues. Adding expert commentary is Tom Scherberger, a contributing editor with the Florida Trident. -
On “Florida Matters Live & Local,” the CEO of Crisis Center of Tampa Bay gives advice on how to get through election-related stress. -
A growing population and changing demographics are making Manatee County less affordable. -
"Florida Matters Live & Local" recently recorded in front of an audience at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton to dig into issues affecting the state like affordability, growth and development. -
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," a pediatric endocrinologist explains how sugar affects children's bodies, and how they can enjoy a safer, healthier Halloween. -
Special musical guests join the program for a celebration of Public Radio Music Day, and we hear live performances in bluegrass, classical, a fusion of jazz and hip-hop. -
Proposed changes to the 2030 census could eliminate questions about race and ethnicity. How could this affect important decisions like federal housing resources? -
For decades, cities and counties have been able to enact laws to manage their communities as they see fit. Recently, however, the Legislature has passed rules to usurp some local decisions. -
Tampa Bay Times reporter Marc Topkin has covered the team from the fledgling Devil Rays to the heights they're now experiencing. He tells "Florida Matters Live & Local" what the team has done to get there.
