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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Lakeland residents face higher electric bills, while a Senate bill transferring USF Sarasota-Manatee land to New College vanishes — leaving both energy costs and campus plans in uncertainty. -
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch took listeners' calls and addressed several topics, including the redevelopment of the historic Gas Plant District. -
"Florida Matters Live & Local" sits down with Mayor Ken Welch, examines how immigration verification rules would reshape local services in Manatee County, and explores efforts to restore a historic Tampa landmark. -
"Live & Local" jumps into four controversial issues: school closures in Pinellas, war planning at MacDill, the new teen curfew in Palmetto and treatment gaps for maternal mental health. -
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," a University of South Florida expert on the Middle East provides perspective on the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, how current circumstances differ from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars for now and more. -
"Florida Matters: Live & Local" brings you stories of art, justice and hometown pride this week. -
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," the school's new leader touched on several topics, including training students on civility and the potential USF Sarasota-Manatee campus transfer. -
So what goes on during the workday of a university president during his second week on campus? Moez Limayem is here to talk about the challenges ahead. -
From expanding fresh food access and restoring reef ecosystems to measuring regional growth and mentoring youth, "Florida Matters Live & Local" explores solutions shaping Tampa Bay’s future. -
From "Folklore" to "Tortured Poets," USF students can take a classical look at Taylor Swift's lyrics. "Florida Matters Live & Local" signs up for a closer look.
