Comedian Liz Miele has recently faced a significant blow to her earnings, mirroring the experiences of many others in her field. The Raw Comedy/Raw Dog channel on SiriusXM, known for showcasing over 800 comedians, has been replaced by a new channel spearheaded by renowned comedian Sebastian Maniscalco.
This transition has left Miele and numerous working-class comedians without a vital source of income and visibility, as affluent celebrity comics dominate the platform. Miele shared with host Nil Köksal on As It Happens that SiriusXM was a crucial financial lifeline for her during tough times, supporting fellow comedians coping with various challenges.
While Maniscalco and SiriusXM have pledged to offer opportunities for comedians at various career stages, industry advocates at Stand Up for Standup reveal contrasting statistics. Prior to the change, Raw Comedy featured over 800 comedians monthly, each earning $15 in royalties per play. However, post-rebranding, only 275 comedians were featured, with the top 50 artists receiving over 75% of airtime, including major names like Chris Rock and Kevin Hart.
Miele, a former top performer on the channel, expressed concerns about the wealth disparity, highlighting the shift from a diverse range of earning comedians to a select few garnering significant profits. She emphasized the importance of platforms like SiriusXM in providing opportunities for emerging talents to flourish, lamenting the potential impact on future generations.
Canadian comedian Danish Anwar disclosed a drop of 30 to 40% in his royalties post-channel change, affecting many in the industry. Anwar noted that Canadian comics reliant on SiriusXM royalties for work visas may face challenges, potentially leading to relocations back to Canada.
In response to the outcry from comedians like Patton Oswalt and Michelle Wolf, Maniscalco clarified that the decision to end Raw Comedy predated his involvement with SiriusXM. The company cited underperformance as the reason for the channel’s termination but affirmed its commitment to supporting comedians across career stages.
Despite Maniscalco’s reassurances of inclusivity on the new channel, Anwar remains skeptical, emphasizing the need for tangible support over mere promises. Comedian Steph Tolev, recalling past successful advocacy efforts in Canada, urged U.S. comedians to unite against unfavorable industry changes. Anwar echoed the call for solidarity in the face of financial setbacks, recognizing the challenging landscape within the comedy sector.