Questionnaire for Media: Patrick Ferrise, SiriusXM
ERPR’s series, "Questionnaire for Media," features members of the media and asks about their lives and careers.
Patrick Ferrise, senior producer
I connected with Patrick Ferrise, Senior Producer at SiriusXM.
How did you first get into journalism? What was your first job in journalism?
First, I am not a journalist, but I got into radio through my college station WWVU FM at West Virginia University. I was, and still am, a huge music fan. I wanted to be close to the music. The station was a wonderful training ground as it was run by professionals who had successfully worked in radio for years. I can't say enough good things about Alex Gavula, who was a mentor at U-92, and all my comrades there. Many of the staff went on to work for ABC, ESPN, and CBS. That was my first job in the media as an overnight DJ at WWVU FM. I went on to become Music Director, which led me to my dream (at the time) of being Music Director at the legendary WHFS in Washington, DC.
How do you decide what to produce or publish?
I had always loved working as part of a team in the music industry, but in my last years at WHFS, I became involved in public affairs programming and loved it and wanted to transition to a news environment. I was lucky to have landed at the POTUS Channel at SiriusXM and to get to work with a smart, passionate team producing non-partisan politics radio in a very fast-paced environment. I loved having the chance to cover history in the making. One of the first things I covered was the State of the Union in 2009, I remember chasing after lawmakers to get commentary!
I produce Julie Mason Mornings with the great Julie Mason. I’m lucky to work with her. She is a fantastic, smart talent and I'm always looking for things that will appeal to her sensibility. She is a veteran White House Reporter.
The focus of the POTUS channel is non-partisan politics, so we start with that principle in mind and then expand out to coverage of what's happening at the White House, Congress, and foreign policy, seeking balance- those are some of the main elements of the show. However, we have the ability to bring in pop-culture elements as well to add a little dimension; For example, Julie is a big Elvis fan, and we recently did a segment with a White House Historian on when President Nixon met Elvis.
What is the most interesting news story you’re following right now that you’re not covering?
Julie and I are both big animal fans, so I guess I'd say I wish sometimes we could do three hours on all dog radio.
If you weren’t in journalism, what would you be doing?
I love the pace of what I do, but If I wasn't producing, probably some kind of animal rescue.
What do you read or watch every morning?
There are so many great morning newsletters, The Hill's Morning Report, Axios AM, Power Up at the Post, First Read, the Note. I am a big fan of POLITICAL Wire, it is a great aggregator of political news.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I would love to wake tomorrow and be a gifted pianist.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I dreamed of being in the music industry, and I made it happen (with some help)! Then, I dreamed of being part of a national news team and I made that happen (again, with some help)! I guess lightning can strike twice.
