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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Next Wednesday is Earth Day. On “Live & Local,” we explore how the focus has shifted from education to action, and what meaningful change looks like. Plus, segments on paid family leave and the world of tattoo artists. -
City Council member Brandi Gabbard makes her case to be mayor. Then, questions around Florida’s push to redraw political maps and a close call on the tracks raises school bus safety concerns. -
New limits on SNAP purchases are meant to encourage better nutrition. But not all high-sugar items are excluded, raising questions about consistency. Plus, childbirth dangers for Black women and insight on a controversial police firing. -
Environmental advocates celebrated a win in Manatee last month with a new law blocking a plan for a new cruise port. But is the Terra Ciea Aquatic Preserve safe from development? Not everyone thinks so. -
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," Robert Levine of Cooper City explained how ChatGPT walked him through the process of selling his Broward County home — from start to finish. -
On Local News Day, we sit down with Bay area newsroom leaders about the challenges facing community journalism. -
Floridians love their coastlines, but a federal move to weaken endangered species protections in the Gulf is sparking legal action and heated debate over energy security. "Florida Matters: Live & Local explores the concerns. -
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," Albert Whitted Airport Manager Richard J. Lesniak discusses what electric air taxis could mean for public transportation and more. -
Pam Bondi was praised publicly, then fired weeks later. We unpack what led to her departure as attorney general, her record in Florida and how the Epstein case shadowed her time leading the DOJ. -
It's the 100th episode of "Florida Matters: Live & Local." Here's what's on tap: Bay bridge gridlock could soon have a high-tech alternative. Plus, what listeners think about Florida’s SAVE law, and the tragedy of kids left in cars.
