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
-
An artificial intelligence tool used by police agencies identified an innocent man as a suspect. We delve into what can go wrong when police technology gets it wrong. -
The recent death of a woman sleeping in an alley has stirred homeless advocates against the state’s ban on public camping. Is the law necessary or simply driving our most vulnerable into dark, dangerous places? -
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," writer, poet and Iraq War veteran Kevin Powers talks about his new fiction novel "Children of the Wild," which highlights World War I. -
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," architect Jerel McCants gives his perspective on what it will take to transform the landmark — which has fallen into disrepair — into a museum, as well as how he first became interested in the project. -
Can it possibly be a decade since the horrific Pulse shooting in Orlando? We hear reflections from two people who were there. -
Read 'em and reap, a different kind of 'takeover,' judged past its prime, a preservation reservationFor the second time this year, a “teen takeover” in the Bay area has ended in arrests. The youths appear to be finding trouble on social media. Can social media keep them out of it? A local group has some ideas. -
Crowbar owner Tom DeGeorge spoke on "Florida Matters Live & Local" about a federal jury declaring the company a monopoly, the struggles facing small, local music venues, and the community's fight against a 4,300-capacity music venue Live Nation's planning to build in Ybor City's Gasworx District. -
We’re still reacting to the shock of a Florida earthquake. And we get into youth camps on Day 2 of our summer prep segments. Speaking of summertime, "flesh-eating bacteria" is back in the news. -
It's been 10 years since a gunman murdered 49 people at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. That tragedy and others raise discussions about preventing gun violence. -
Florida voters will decide this November whether to dramatically expand exemptions and cap property tax increases. “Florida Matters Live & Local” examines the details.
