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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Florida Matters met with the mayor in his St. Pete City Hall office, where he discussed topics including the Rays and Tropicana Field redevelopment. -
Even though June 19 is the date of the federal holiday, Florida’s emancipation day is celebrated on May 20.
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There’s renewed focus on Florida's red flag law but Second Amendment advocates and some law enforcement officials oppose the measure.
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Florida’s public school teachers already face a tough job. And with new laws around teaching and schools created this year, their work is even tougher now.
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Whether you’re a multi-generational Floridian or a brand new arrival to the Sunshine State — the key is to be prepared.
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In a recent Florida Matters, host Matthew Peddie talked with political journalist William March about how Gov. Ron DeSantis' new redistricting maps will impact voters across the Tampa area.
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Homeowners are paying more for less coverage as insurance companies ditch customers. Others have gone out of business.
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New Florida law allows families back into assisted living facilities, even during a health emergencyGovernor Ron DeSantis signed the "No Patient Left Alone" act into law in early April. It takes effect on July 1.
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His priorities during the latest legislative session have put him at the leading edge of the country’s “culture war.”
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