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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"Live and Local" digs into local change, pride and spirited competition. Included are discussions on the stalled USF presidential approval and neighborhoods preserving their heritage. -
From mental health shortages and dangerous streets to murky springs and colorful murals, "Live and Local" discussions span crises, solutions and creativity. -
An analysis shows some local charter schools have nearly the same percentage of underused space as traditional campuses. Plus, plenty of Bucs talk. -
On "Florida Matters: Live & Local," we talk about the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office cheating scandal, SNAP benefits that haven't come and an author whose books are heavy on history. -
On "Florida Matters: Live and Local," we discuss the governor and foreign hires at state universities, a water ride returns, Halloween smoke and mirrors, and a scientific twist on human anatomy. -
On "Florida Matters: Live & Local," we’re talking about a Tampa Bay boom town, hearing from some rising local artists and learning about a buzzing local suds scene. -
On "Florida Matters: Live & Local," host Matthew Peddie drives us through the costs of auto insurance in Florida, concerns for the Caribbean and the joys of storytelling. -
On "Florida Matters: Live & Local," hear about local cities that want to take charge of their electricity, a plan to thwart charter "Schools of Hope," and two more ways Tampa shines. -
On "Florida Matters: Live and Local," we hear about an ER doctor's heart-wrenching mission to Gaza, a great find at TPA, the latest in a political investigation and modern library makeovers. -
Guests include the Florida Hospital Association's Mary Mayhew and U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor. The topics: saving small-town hospitals, real impacts of government gridlock and Clearwater’s inclusive mission.
