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," we discuss how immigration enforcement is playing out in the area and give an update on the state-mandated removal of street art, including an iconic crosswalk in St. Petersburg. -
On "Florida Matters," we talk about what's behind the drop in childhood vaccination rates in Sarasota County. Plus, how to protect yourself against mosquitoes. -
On "Florida Matters," we run down the grocery list of how inflation and big changes to SNAP benefits are affecting Tampa Bay families and beyond. Plus, a pediatrician talks about healthy school lunch options. -
This week on "Florida Matters," we get a peek inside the backpack as another school year across the greater Tampa Bay region is underway. -
On "Florida Matters," hear reporting from WUSF’s "Not So Forever Homes" series. This is a collection of stories documenting the spiraling lot rents at manufactured home communities. -
On "Florida Matters," we speak to caregivers about how they balance life with caring for their loved ones.
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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.
