Comics Criticize Maniscalco's SiriusXM Channel, Saying It Sidelines New Talent

American comedian Sebastian Maniscalco is facing criticism from fellow performers over a SiriusXM satellite radio comedy channel. Several well-known comics, including Patton Oswalt and Margaret Cho, have posted videos online urging him to continue the legacy of the earlier Raw Comedy channel by giving more exposure to newer comedians.

What changed

In April, SiriusXM launched Sebastian Maniscalco's Comedy Radio, which the company says is curated and headlined by Maniscalco himself. It replaced the long-running Raw Comedy channel, which carried uncensored stand-up from a range of performers. The channel now airs Maniscalco's own show along with a stream of stand-up material. Comedian Dan Soder describes it as featuring very famous comics who are either dead or don't necessarily need the money.

What the nonprofit says

Stand Up for Standup, a nonprofit that supports comedians in need, has published a report on the shift. It says that since March the number of comics receiving plays has fallen from more than 800 to 275, mostly well-known names. For emerging comedians, that means less visibility and smaller royalty income from SiriusXM. The group argues that the change harms both comedians and the future of comedy.

Oswalt said in an Instagram video that many young comics depend on these payments and that about 500 of them have been removed from the channel. He urged that the decision be reversed. Liz Miele, Kyle Kinane and Michelle Wolf have also criticized Maniscalco.

The company's response

In a statement to Deadline, SiriusXM said the channel introduced a new creative direction and a regularly evolving programming mix, adding that it invests in comedians more than any other audio platform. Neither SiriusXM nor Maniscalco's representatives immediately responded to The Verge's request for comment.