Comics Criticize Maniscalco and SiriusXM Over Channel's Smaller Playlist
Stand Up for Standup says spins fell from more than 800 comics to a pool of 275 artists since March, drawing criticism from Patton Oswalt, Margaret Cho and others.
Comedians including Patton Oswalt and Margaret Cho are publicly criticizing Sebastian Maniscalco and SiriusXM over the direction of his comedy channel, saying it has cut opportunities and royalties for hundreds of up-and-coming comics. The criticism follows a report from Stand Up for Standup, which said spins on Maniscalco's channels dropped from more than 800 comics to a pool of 275 artists since March, according to The Verge.
Liz Miele, Kyle Kinane and Michelle Wolf have also spoken out against Maniscalco, joining Oswalt and Cho.
SiriusXM told Deadline that Maniscalco's channel introduced a new creative direction and an evolving programming mix. Neither SiriusXM nor Maniscalco's representatives responded to The Verge's request for comment.
Background
SiriusXM launched Sebastian Maniscalco's Comedy Radio in April, replacing the long-running Raw Comedy channel. Raw Comedy previously featured uncensored stand-up from a range of talent, including a wider pool of more than 800 comics.
Quick answers
What is the dispute about Sebastian Maniscalco's SiriusXM channel?
Stand Up for Standup published a report saying spins on Maniscalco's channels dropped from more than 800 comics to a pool of 275 artists since March, which critics say cuts opportunities and royalties for up-and-coming comics.
What did SiriusXM say about the channel?
SiriusXM told Deadline that Maniscalco's channel introduced a new creative direction and an evolving programming mix.
Which comedians have criticized Maniscalco?
Patton Oswalt, Margaret Cho, Liz Miele, Kyle Kinane and Michelle Wolf are among the comedians who have spoken out.