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
-
What are the challenges to running a food bank, particularly when there are high fuel prices and high grocery prices to contend with? The shelves of a local pantry ran dry multiple times last month. -
How do nonprofits like United Way Suncoast benefit from the property tax system as it exists now? What happens to them if voters pass the controversial measure next month? -
A state appellate court ordered that a recently leaked grand jury report on Hope Florida be expunged. Does it all go away with no repercussions? -
For some people, the math of a mortgage doesn’t add up the way it used to. We were curious about the financial pressures homeowners are currently facing in Florida. -
The licenses now feature an orange, a manatee and a phrase that’s drawing some criticism: “Let Us Alone,” from the 1845 Florida flag. Why are those words getting pushback? -
The organization's centennial exhibit is free and open to the public through Nov. 30. It's located in the third-floor gallery space at the Tampa Bay History Center. -
There are changes to eligibility which could make it more challenging for SNAP recipients. In turn, local food banks are feeling the pressure of increased demand. -
A new cross-bay ferry service will launch soon. Will you be riding? And we learn more about a Flock investigation that led to the resignations and arrests of two Pinellas County deputies. -
In a few weeks, the city will decide between Ken Welch or Charlie Crist. Among the winner's bigger challenges: redevelopment of the 86-acre Historic Gas Plant Site after the Tampa Bay Rays jump to Tampa. -
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," Rodney Kite-Powell with the Tampa Bay History Center discussed "Cinema in the Sunshine State" and how the visitors can learn more about Florida's legacy in the film industry.
