The State and beyond: activating (non-)media voices

This article explores the legal/human rights dimension of the evolving role of the State in activating not only media voices - the typical focus of media pluralism discussions - but a wider range of non-media voices that ought to be heard in public debate. European human rights law - specifically the European Convention on Human Rights and relevant case-law of the European Court of Human Rights - has developed a number of principles that could guide States in their task of activating voices. The article pays particular attention to the nature and scope of the obligation on States to take positive (policy and regulatory) measures to activate voices. The article aims to provide useful initial input into a broader, multi-stranded policy discussion on how the State can best activate a diverse range of voices in an increasingly digitized world.