Abstract
Media and entertainment companies have embraced immersive audio technology for cinema, television, games, and music. Meanwhile, in recent years there has been a rise in the number of organizations welcoming underrepresented groups to the field of audio. However, although some disciplines such as music recording are seeing an increase in participation, others are not keeping pace. Immersive and spatial audio are disciplines in which diversity is measurably lacking. Audio based mixed-gender social media groups are comprised of less than 10% women and minorities, and groups dedicated to immersive audio exhibit poorer representation. Barriers to entry are societal as well as economic; however, outreach, networking opportunities, mentoring, and affordable education are remedies have been shown to be effective for related industries and should be adopted by the immersive audio industry.