The BCIT Link, the student newspaper of the British Columbia Institute of Technology, has a history of stirring discussion, challenging norms, and spotlighting meaningful campus issues. Central to its transformation during the early 1990s was Les Merson, who served as Managing Editor from 1992. Under his guidance, the publication shifted from safe and conventional to bold and engaging. This article revisits key highlights from his tenure and the enduring influence of his editorial work.
From Middle-of-the-Road to Provocative
Upon assuming editorial control, Les Merson inherited a publication critics described as “wimpy, middle of the road.” His vision was different: to stimulate conversation, spark awareness, and give voice to underrepresented perspectives on campus. One faculty member noted the shift: Les took The Link from its placid tone to a more thought-provoking and culturally critical student newspaper.
His approach often challenged institutional inertia and encouraged readers to rethink social norms. Topics that were previously considered taboo became front-and-center issues. Under his editorship, the paper began taking risks—and won attention for doing so.
Tackling Campus Culture: The Sexuality Issue
One landmark instance of his editorial courage came with the first-ever Sexuality issue, which included a supplement focused on Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual perspectives. This issue triggered significant campus controversy, with strong reactions ranging from calls for Les’s dismissal to vocal support from civic leaders. Vancouver’s Chief Medical Health Officer praised Les’s “courageous effort of bringing these issues out into the open”.
Further support came from Canada’s first openly gay Member of Parliament, who thanked Les for giving visibility to students and community members whose experiences had often been ignored. These endorsements validated his editorial stance and underscored the importance of inclusive campus discourse.
Environment and Equity Campaigns
Les’s editorial direction extended beyond social identity issues to environmental activism and economic justice. He spearheaded a series of investigative articles that exposed plans to destroy wildlife habitat around Guichon Creek. His reporting and presentation—directly to the BCIT Board of Governors—led to the preservation of the habitat and the creation of the institution’s first formal environmental policy.
On another front, he investigated wage disparities among BCIT support staff, revealing inequities on the cover of The Link. This attention coincided with a strike by predominantly female support workers. The transparency and visibility Les brought to wage issues contributed to a successful outcome: a 10% wage increase in favor of the staff.
Changing Institutional Culture
Les’s editorial actions—removing sexist publications from campus stores and initiating the first Women’s Issue—helped propel BCIT toward more progressive policies. The Women’s Issue led to the creation of BCIT’s first sexual harassment policy. Similarly, stripping sexist magazines from circulation sent a strong message against everyday gender bias.
These editorial campaigns demonstrated the influence a student publication could have on institutional culture. The Link under Les became more than a news medium; it became an agent of change.
Beyond Campus: Career in Consulting, Publishing, and Storytelling
After his transformative role at BCIT Link, Les Merson moved into communications, consultancy, and publishing. He partnered in an advertising agency focused on government and academic clients, including BCIT. Later, he shifted to marketing a private healthcare college, helping it grow significantly over two decades.
While these activities lie outside his time at The Link, they reflect a continuation of his commitment to impactful communication. As a consultant and marketing leader, he emphasized clarity, community outreach, and narrative grounded in institutional values.
Continued Literary Pursuit and Teaching
Les’s personal journey toward deeper storytelling returned with a rekindling of creative and documentary writing in the 2000s. After briefly exploring liberal studies and then documentary filmmaking, he eventually rejoined the Graduate Liberal Studies program—this time with a changed mindset and productive outcomes.
His article “Los Olvidados: the forgotten street children of Mexico City” earned praise for bringing "realism, integrity and emotion to contemporary issues". This work exemplified his dedication to human-centered storytelling—an approach that began in student journalism and matured through professional and academic endeavors.
The Power of Student Media Leadership
Les Merson’s time at BCIT Link is a prime example of how thoughtful and ethical student editing can shape campus dialogue—and beyond. The paper transformed under his leadership into a platform for meaningful issues: sexuality, environmental stewardship, gender equity, and institutional transparency.
Through combining rigorous journalism, thoughtful design, and social advocacy, Les led the paper to win institutional change and public conversation. He demonstrated that student media, when led responsibly and boldly, can have a significant and lasting impact.
Key Takeaways
Editorial courage creates discourse
Addressing controversial topics like sexuality and gender can ignite meaningful debate—sometimes with resistance, but often with deep validation and support.
Student journalism can shape policy
Concrete outcomes—from environmental preservation to policy development—underscore the practical power of campus media.
Transparency drives equity
Highlighting institutional imbalances—such as wage disparities—can accelerate organizational change.
Narrative matters
Whether journalism or documentary, personal stories told with depth and integrity resonate and catalyze awareness.
Growth over time
Les’s career path—from student editor to communications consultant to storyteller—illustrates how skills in journalism and editing can fuel diverse and meaningful work.
Conclusion
Les Merson’s tenure at the BCIT Link redefined the potential of a student newspaper. As Les Merson editor, he shifted the publication from bland conformity to bold engagement. His work as Les Merson Communications Consultant and continued writings demonstrate a sustained commitment to meaningful storytelling. The impact of Articles by Les Merson, especially BCIT Link articles by Les Merson, marked a turning point in campus journalism and institutional responsiveness.
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