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 & Local," representatives from food assistance programs explain the depth of the problem in the Tampa Bay region and where help is available. -
The Sarasota Orchestra’s music director had the time of his life during Bad Bunny's Spanish-language Super Bowl halftime, plus segments on Everglades preservation, measles and Valentine’s Day fun. -
A couple of college challenges are in the spotlight. We get an update on the New College-USF controversy and learn about the growing concern of student food insecurity. -
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," musician Don Was described working with the greats like Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. He also talks about his current tour with his group, Don Was and the Pan Detroit Ensemble. -
It’s hard to have a conversation about what a place can be without talking about the way it was. Such is the case with the current Tropicana Field site. -
Will the state's English-only driver's tests make roads safer? We look into the rule change on "Florida Matters Live & Local." -
The conversation starters for "Florida Matters Live & Local" include Florida's execution pace and some Super Bowl talk that has nothing to do with Seahawks and Patriots. -
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," Tampa Mayor Jane Castor talks about plans for a new Rays stadium on her side of the Bay, Ybor City safety and immigration enforcement. -
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor sits down for a wide-ranging conversation, tackling everything from the Rays stadium talks and public safety to immigration, transportation, and the city’s future. -
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," we learned about how you can help in the efforts to beautify Tampa, met a cleanup crew whose goal expands beyond Hyde Park and more.
