SiriusXM defends ending Raw Comedy channel amid comedian backlash over royalties

SiriusXM has defended its decision to end its Raw Comedy channel, stating that the move was due to underperformance and occurred before comedian Sebastian Maniscalco joined the satellite radio network. Deadline reported that a company spokesperson issued an exclusive statement confirming that SiriusXM has been listening to feedback from comedians after a decision to alter its channel lineup sparked significant online criticism. [1]

The backlash centers on the launch of Sebastian Maniscalco's Comedy Radio, which replaced SiriusXM Channel 99 in April. As FTMQ Entertainment reported earlier, comedians including Patton Oswalt and Michelle Wolf have urged Maniscalco to reverse the takeover, stating that removing the previous programming cut hundreds of working comics off the air and eliminated crucial royalty payments. [1][4]

In response to the growing controversy, SiriusXM stated that it has proudly supported the comedy community and reaffirmed its commitment to comics at all stages of their careers. Deadline reported that the broadcaster acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing working comedians while seeking to reframe its public statements regarding the channel replacement. [1]