Part 2/10:
The USC study purportedly aimed to assess diversity within the podcasting landscape, but critics argue it does little more than highlight what they call common sense: the majority of podcast hosts are white and male. What makes this critique remarkable is the fact that podcasting is one of the most accessible media platforms in existence today. Unlike traditional media, which often involves gatekeepers such as casting directors, production companies, and studio executives, podcasting only requires a microphone, an internet connection, and an idea. There are no barriers to entry based on race, gender, or socioeconomic status.