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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Jet fuel prices are sky high, and air travelers are feeling it in their wallets. Now comes the sudden shuttering of Spirit airlines. How can flyers stay on budget? -
The 2024 hurricanes may be a distant memory for some. For St. Petersburg resident Kevin Batdorf, the floods that drenched his Shore Acres neighborhood prompted him to run for mayor. -
Adjusting to life out of prison can be challenging for people who’ve just completed their sentence. Could providing them with a basic income help them get back on their feet — and keep them out of jail? -
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," Maria Scruggs described wanting to form a livable wage task force, the importance of collaboration and other topics. -
A vigil was held on Friday for two USF doctoral students whose remains were recovered in recent days. We get an update on the investigation into their deaths and talk with an expert about grief. -
Tampa's best secrets, decisions affecting schools, Florida caught mapping, soft cups and wine flutesOn "Live & Local," we catch up on a school district making difficult financial decisions, an important legislative vote – and non-vote – along with some unknowns and … ahem … unmentionables. -
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," the owner of "Ink Fink" in Tampa and a local tattoo artist who makes his own tattoo machines discuss the art of permanent ink. -
Maria Scruggs wants to be St. Petersburg's mayor, and she's going to tell you why. Also, some hockey playoff talk and making a criminal case against artificial intelligence. -
State Sen. Anna Eskamani joins "Florida Matters Live & Local" to talk about a new Florida law that allows housing development on agricultural land. -
Florida is one of the most expensive Southern states in which to live. But why? We’re looking into a recent report on affordability in Florida. Plus, the special session, kids and civics, and BTS.
