![Man standing outside near trees, looking at camera](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bd61bfc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2874x3832+1437+0/resize/150x200!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Fb4%2F784e5a994319bbeeb02b5172a73c%2Fnew-staff-photo-matthew-peddie-2022.jpg)
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 twitter at @matthew_peddie or by email at mpeddie@wusf.org
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School board elections in Florida are nonpartisan, but this November voters will get to decide if they want to change to partisan elections.
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School board elections in Florida are nonpartisan, but this November voters will get to decide if they want to change to partisan elections.
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On this episode of Florida Matters, you’ll hear from the United Way Suncoast about summer programs and other ways to stop the so-called “summer slide.” You’ll also hear about the pressure of competitive spelling, and what the spelling bee can teach you about life, from the spelling bee coach working with winners from the area.
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On this episode of Florida Matters, you’ll hear from the United Way Suncoast about summer programs and other ways to stop the so-called “summer slide.” You’ll also hear about the pressure of competitive spelling, and what the spelling bee can teach you about life, from the spelling bee coach working with winners from the area.
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Arts organizations around Florida are scrambling to make up budget shortfalls after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $32 million in cultural and museum grants.
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Arts organizations around Florida are scrambling to make up budget shortfalls after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $32 million in cultural and museum grants.
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On this episode of Florida Matters, we spoke with leaders in the greater Tampa Bay region’s Black LGBTQIA community about representation and the importance of both Pride and Juneteenth.
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On this episode of Florida Matters, we spoke with leaders in the greater Tampa Bay region’s Black LGBTQIA community about representation and the importance of both Pride and Juneteenth.
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On this episode of Florida Matters, we talk with two people involved in the Sunshine Skyway Bridge documentary, including one of the divers who helped recover the victims.
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On this episode of Florida Matters, we talk with two people involved in the Sunshine Skyway Bridge documentary, including one of the divers who helped recover the victims.