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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The United States is about to turn 250. For many Florida families, it means food, fun and fireworks. For others, it can be time to reflect on history — where we were and where we are going. -
Florida has embraced the Trump administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement. But what happens when residents push back and ask local elected leaders to take a stand against it? -
A divided Supreme Court relies on the 14th Amendment in rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order. What's the fallout? Legal and immigration experts join the show. -
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," singer Destin Conrad spoke about how Tampa inspired his music, what he wants people to know about him as an artist and more. -
Ye is bringing his tour to Raymond James Stadium this weekend despite a push by Sen. Rick Scott to cancel over the performer's antisemitic statements. We delve into the controversy. -
Social Security reserves could run short by the 2030s if Congress doesn’t act, according to a report from the program’s trustees. Whom might this shortage affect, and what benefits could be cut? -
Through the eyes of a dog, coming fuel circle, VA under strain, grill rides, tagging rays and sharksDogs Inc. has a program for the public to get a better understanding of guide dogs. Then, is the latest drop in gas prices helping your budget? Also, a look at burnout and staffing shortages at the VA. -
Friday marks the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free. Hear from people from across Tampa Bay’s Black community about what freedom means to them. -
New gene therapies offer potential cures for sickle cell disease, but multimillion-dollar costs raise major questions about access and equity. -
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," learn how a Fort Myers man was jailed after an AI tool used by police misidentified him as a culprit in a crime he did not commit. Now, he's suing.
