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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On "Florida Matters Live and Local," we explore anticipated rising health care costs, updates on Tropicana Field, a dancing trailblazer and tips for finding unique gifts. -
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," the conversations cover conserving resources, navigating neighborhood shifts and revisiting ballot battles. -
From schools to student aid, historic escapes to outdoor adventures, this "Florida Matters Live & Local" runs the gamut of the serious and the surprising. -
From skyrocketing utility bills to debates over property taxes and SNAP benefits — and, of course, the wildest Florida Man stories — Floridians are feeling the squeeze, the stakes and the strange. -
On "Florida Matters: Live & Local," we highlight courage and community — strengthening young minds, fighting for felons' rights, a historically Black golf course and houses built to beat a Category 5 hurricane. -
On "Florida Matters: Live & Local," we explore why some Floridians are thinking of bolting while others stay put, how air taxis could lift commuters and the region's original aviation innovation. -
On "Florida Matters: Live & Local," we dive into the aftermath of the weekend's Ybor City tragedy, hear from caregivers from across the state, and catch up on the Bolts, Bucs and Bulls. -
On "Florida Matters: Live & Local," we break down soaring health care costs, dive into the legend of Florida Man, and celebrate art rising from the sands of Siesta Key. -
On "Florida Matters: Live and Local," we celebrate Veterans Day with discussions on the contributions of vets and the programs that support them. -
On "Florida Matters: Live and Local," we dive into a possible change in Florida politics, the fight against lung cancer, jobs AI can’t take, and stories of Jamaicans survival a hurricane.
