Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco is encountering criticism from fellow comics who argue that his takeover of SiriusXM’s Raw Comedy channel is damaging opportunities for new talent, as previously reported by Deadline.
Several prominent comedians, including Patton Oswalt and Margaret Cho, have shared online videos urging Maniscalco to uphold Raw Comedy’s tradition by featuring up-and-coming performers on his channel, rather than predominantly showcasing well-known names.
Maniscalco’s channel succeeded SiriusXM’s Raw Comedy, which previously supported over 800 comedians.
In April, SiriusXM introduced Sebastian Maniscalco’s Comedy Radio, described by the satellite radio provider as ‘curated and headlined by Sebastian himself.’ This change replaced the established Raw Comedy channel, which offered uncensored stand-up performances from diverse comedians.
Currently, the channel broadcasts Maniscalco’s own show along with stand-up routines that comedian Dan Soder claims primarily feature ‘very famous comedians who are deceased or financially secure.’
The backlash intensifies as Stand Up for Standup, a nonprofit supporting comedians in need, released a report highlighting the channel’s pivot away from emerging talent. These comedians depend on both the exposure and royalties from SiriusXM.
The organization notes that since March, the number of spins on Maniscalco’s channel has narrowed from over 800 comedians to just 275 artists, with a significant bias toward celebrities.
‘Stand Up for Standup’ states, ‘We believe this reduction in the total number of artists receiving plays on Channel 102, along with the altered distribution favoring a select few, is detrimental to comedians and the future of comedy.’
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