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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An idea for a cruise terminal near the Skyway is drawing early resistance as environmental groups question whether the promised benefits outweigh the risks to one of Tampa Bay’s most fragile coastal areas.
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SSA Marine said its port would be just south of the seaward side of the Sunshine Skyway and would complement Port Tampa Bay's operations. The land is on an environmentally sensitive island, worrying advocates. -
Sarasota’s school board vote to reaffirm cooperation with ICE sparked intense debate over student safety and learning, while Hillsborough College and the Rays take a step forward on a stadium plan. -
This Florida teacher risked her career to help students. Now, there's a documentary on her influenceOn "Florida Matters Live & Local," documentarian Boaz Dvir explained when he first heard about the late Gloria Merriex's influence and how he spent over a decade making her story come to life. -
Former House Speaker Paul Renner is running for the Republican nomination to be Florida's governor. He talks about his plans with "Florida Matters Live & Local" host Matthew Peddie. -
"Florida Matters Live & Local" spends the hour looking at the lives and legacies of lawmakers John Lewis and Arthenia Joyner, author Zora Neale Hurston, and the enduring words of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. -
Rev. Charles McKenzie, who performs for Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, tells "Florida Matters Live & Local" he became fascinated by King after watching Walter Cronkite's TV report of his shooting. -
The Rays may be closer than ever to a new stadium in Tampa as Hillsborough College explores renovating its North Dale Mabry Campus into a mixed-use development. We catch you up. -
Sarasota has the money to improve coastal flooding protection. However, the funding comes with questions about what improvements can be made and will they solve the problem as sea levels rise. -
The conversation features insights from longtime local political journalist William March, PolitiFact Florida government reporter Sam Putterman and WUSF politics/environment reporter Steve Newborn.
