Part 5/10:
Critics further argue that claims of exclusion are unfounded. The supposed lack of diversity isn't due to overt discrimination, they contend, but is simply a reflection of personal preference and available opportunities. The notion that white men dominate the industry as some form of conspiracy dismisses the reality that anyone can start a podcast. No elite body is preventing diverse voices from entering the space—if anything, the platform's openness is its greatest strength and most challenging feature for traditional gatekeepers who seek control.