Comedians Criticize SiriusXM for Removing Stand-Up Performers from Comedy Channel

<p>SiriusXM's programming change has faced backlash from comedians after the satellite radio company removed hundreds of stand-up comedians from its comedy channel, impacting their royalty income. The change occurred in April when SiriusXM replaced its Channel 99, Raw Dog Comedy, with comedian Sebastian Maniscalco's new channel, "Sebastian Maniscalco's Comedy Radio." This move has raised concerns among veteran comedians about the loss of income for independent performers.</p><p>According to the comedy industry advocacy group Stand Up for Stand Up, the channel's active roster decreased by 66%, from 812 featured comedians in April to 275 by September, with over 75% of plays going to the top 50 comedians. Veteran comedian Rich Vos, who has performed stand-up for 40 years, expressed his concerns, stating, "Everything in life breaks down to money, numbers and money. That's what it breaks down to." Vos, who was among those no longer receiving airplay, noted that while he has other sources of income, many comedians who are newer to the industry are significantly affected.</p><p>Comedians typically earn royalties of around $15 per play when their performances air on satellite radio, but those removed from the rotation no longer receive these payments. Stand Up for Stand Up highlighted that the rebranding has adversely affected the "middle class of comedy," referring to working comedians who earn a living but are not widely recognized.</p><p>The decision has drawn criticism from notable comedians such as Patton Oswalt and Michelle Wolf, who have urged Maniscalco to restore airplay for the affected performers. Oswalt stated, "The fact that you and I still get to tour and still get to work and still get to be as funny as we are is because comedy right now is so dynamic and has so many new, young voices that are coming up. But 500 of them have been booted off of Sirius." He called for Maniscalco to reverse the decision and allow those comedians to continue working.</p><p>The new lineup includes established comedians like Chris Rock, Jim Gaffigan, Jamie Foxx, Whitney Cummings, and Kevin Hart, along with recordings from late comedians such as Joan Rivers and Bob Hope. SiriusXM stated that the decision to discontinue Raw Comedy was due to the channel's "underperformance" and was made prior to Maniscalco's involvement.</p><p>SiriusXM clarified, "We have been listening to comedians speak out this week and want to clarify that our decision to end Raw Comedy was due to the channel’s underperformance and came prior to Sebastian joining the SiriusXM lineup." The company emphasized its commitment to providing a platform for comedians at all stages of their careers.</p><p>Vos questioned SiriusXM's rationale for ending Raw Comedy, suggesting that the term "underperformance" indicates a lack of listener engagement. He remarked, "I just know funny is funny, and if that's your channel is to play funny, then maybe your marketing strategy is wrong."</p><p>Maniscalco has also faced criticism regarding the programming changes. In an Instagram video, he addressed fellow comedians, asking for patience as he works to expand the channel's lineup. He stated, "I want to let you know that I heard you, I support you, I love you. I know how hard the grind is. Believe me, I've been there," while clarifying that he was not responsible for the removal of Raw Comedy.</p><p>Maniscalco expressed his intention to collaborate with SiriusXM to feature a broader range of comedians, from emerging talents to established acts, and requested time to build out the channel. SiriusXM reiterated its commitment to working with creative partners to deliver a diverse range of comedy offerings.</p>