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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Attack ads have always been part of politics. But with artificial intelligence, a new front has opened in the battle for votes. On top of that, Silicon Valley is pouring megabucks into Florida campaigns. -
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," hear about the controversy over Flock cameras and why one man is taking his time blocking them. -
What in the heck is a Flock camera? Depending on whom you ask, it’s a crime-fighting tool or a symbol of creepy surveillance. Meet the “Flock Blocker,” who believes the latter and protests against them. -
Big changes are finally coming to Tampa’s WestShore Plaza. A new owner has bought the 60-year-old mall with plans to redevelop it into a mixed-use space. -
City councilman Bill Carlson says he has a “win-win-win” stadium plan that can benefit Tampa and Rays fans and won’t use sales taxes or increase property taxes. -
On "Florida Matters Live & Local," recently retired Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon describes challenges facing the state's prison system, his hope for the future and more. -
Classes begin next week around the Tampa Bay area, and with them come news related to lunches, screen time, teacher shortages and more. -
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission accessed driver's license records of critics, citing safety concerns. On "Florida Matters Live & Local," we look into what this means for free speech and hear from one man who is "afraid" he could be set up. -
We spend the hour talking about Florida’s prison system, beginning with recently retired Secretary Ricky Dixon. Then, the mental scars suffered by incarcerated women, and college classes behind bars bring hope. -
Florida health officials are urging doctors to reconsider prescribing psychotropic meds for kids. Could this affect how kids are treated for mental health issues?
