Matthew Peddie
Host, Florida MattersI am the host of WUSF’s weekly public affairs show Florida Matters, 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 ten 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 twitter at @matthew_peddie or by email at mpeddie@wusf.org
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On "Florida Matters," we hear from two WUSF journalists about their reporting — from local residents experiencing flooding months after Hurricane Milton to the restoration of a local spoil island in the Hillsborough River. -
On this episode of Florida Matters, we speak to three people with different perspectives on Florida Noir, and find out why the Sunshine State makes a great setting for shifty characters and sinister deeds. -
On this episode of "Florida Matters," we discuss Gov. Ron DeSantis' State of the State address to the Legislature. Topics he covered during the half-house speech included immigration, gun laws, education and property taxes. -
On this episode of "Florida Matters," we talk about the history of spring training in the region and visit one of the major league teams that come here for get ready for regular season: the Baltimore Orioles. -
On "Florida Matters," former DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson talks immigration policy, and NPR's Frank Langfitt turns his foreign correspondent lens on the U.S. -
On this episode of "Florida Matters," you’ll learn about The Chitlin Circuit, how it shaped the sound of jazz, blues, and rock, and how it paved the way for the music industry we see today. -
On this episode of "Florida Matters," you’ll learn about The Chitlin Circuit, how it shaped the sound of jazz, blues, and rock, and how it paved the way for the music industry we see today.
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On this episode of Florida Matters, you’ll hear about an effort to connect people with Black businesses throughout the Tampa Bay region. -
Escucha cómo los inmigrantes en Florida que no cuentan con los documentos requeridos se están preparando para enfrentar nuevas políticas migratorias más estrictas y qué podría significar una presidencia de Trump para la política estatal. -
How a shortage of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals affects the region, and efforts to train more doctors to meet the need.
