Comedian Liz Miele has recently experienced a significant reduction in her earnings, mirroring the plight of many others in the industry. SiriusXM has discontinued its Raw Comedy/Raw Dog channel, which previously showcased over 800 comedians, and introduced a channel owned by top-tier comedian Sebastian Maniscalco. This move has deprived Miele and numerous working-class comedians of a vital income stream and platform, as affluent celebrity comics now dominate the airwaves.
Miele, based in Los Angeles, highlighted the crucial financial support she received from Sirius XM in the past year. She emphasized how the channel assisted many comedians in making ends meet, especially those facing personal challenges like caring for sick family members or welcoming newborns. Despite promises from Maniscalco and SiriusXM to provide opportunities for comedians at various career stages, industry advocacy group Stand Up for Standup revealed a concerning trend.
The group disclosed that before the channel overhaul, Raw Comedy showcased over 800 comedians monthly, each earning $15 in royalties per play. However, the rebranded channel only featured 275 comedians in the last month, with the top 50 artists, including renowned figures like Chris Rock and Kevin Hart, receiving over 75% of the plays. This shift has led to what Miele described as a “concentration of wealth,” favoring a select few over a diverse range of comedians.
Canadian comedian Danish Anwar shared his experience of seeing his royalties from Raw Comedy decline by 30 to 40%, affecting his income and that of many colleagues. Anwar highlighted the significance of SiriusXM royalties for Canadian comics seeking career opportunities in the U.S., noting potential repercussions such as having to return to Canada due to financial constraints.
In response to the backlash, Maniscalco clarified that he was not involved in the decision to discontinue Raw Comedy, with SiriusXM attributing the change to the channel’s underperformance. Despite this, the company affirmed its commitment to providing a platform for comedians of all career levels. Anwar expressed skepticism about these assurances, emphasizing the need for tangible support that goes beyond statements.
Reflecting on past industry challenges, Toronto-born comedian Steph Tolev urged U.S. comedians to advocate for their rights and voice concerns, citing a successful reversal of a similar decision involving SiriusXM’s Canada Laughs channel. Anwar echoed the call for solidarity among comedians to address issues such as fair pay and labor practices, highlighting the financial strain caused by recent developments in the comedy landscape.