Matthew Peddie
Host, Florida MattersI am the host of WUSF’s weekly public affairs show Florida Matters, 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 ten 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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On "Florida Matters," a meteorologist who led the National Weather Service's Tampa area forecasting office weighs in on a recent staffing exodus at the NWS. -
On "Florida Matters": how a federal prosecutor's firing could affect the fraud case he was leading. Also, assessing flash flood risks and demystifying sharks. -
On "Florida Matters," WUSF reporters Meghan Bowman and Douglas Soule explain what Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed and what survived, as well as new laws you might want to know about. -
On "Florida Matters," we spoke with three WUSF reporters spotlighting arts and culture that’s unique to Tampa Bay — like murals and death metal. -
Tampa Bay romance novelist Alicia Thompson and South Florida bookstore owner Melissa Saavedra share stories from the world of "Steamy Lit." -
The former Republican congressman registered as a Democrat in April. He explains to "Florida Matters" that not only has his party affiliation changed, but so has his politics — including his views on abortion. -
"Florida Matters" speaks to a reporter about her investigation into the Sig Sauer P320's removal from agency arsenals across the country. Also, the Your Florida team provides a legislative update. -
On "Florida Matters," we discuss hurricane recovery for Tampa Bay area businesses following the 2024 storms. We also look into how business owners can prepare and find relief this year. -
On "Florida Matters," we speak with WUSF reporters about what local governments are doing to prevent excessive flooding this year and how people are rebuilding ahead of the hurricane season. -
Community leaders join "Florida Matters" to talk about how they helped with the recovery from the 2024 hurricane season.
