Picture of Paul Hutchinson, Bedford Clanger

Paul Hutchinson, Bedford Clanger

Paul Hutchinson is the Bedford Independent's editor and contributor to the Bedford Clanger, he is an accredited ethical journalist and sits on the IMPRESS Code Committee.

An experienced journalist, editor and local media leader with more than 25 years’ experience in newsrooms, publishing and digital media, Paul first came to Bedford as a journalist and deputy editor at Chiltern FM, reading the news each morning on the Andy Gelder Breakfast Show.

He later worked in PR and communications across Bedfordshire local government, the legal sector, and Charles Wells, before co-founding Progress Publishing, the company behind the Bedford Independent and Bedford Clanger.

As editor of the Bedford Independent, Paul leads the title’s editorial direction with a strong focus on accuracy, transparency, accountability and community impact. His approach is ethics-first and rooted in the belief that local news should inform, scrutinise and serve the people it represents.

Alongside his journalism, Paul is involved in Bedford’s civic and charitable life. He sits on the executive committee of Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends and is a founding member and current vice president of the Rotary Club of River Great Ouse.

Paul’s work is driven by a simple principle: journalism should be useful, accurate and accountable, helping to build a better-informed and more connected community.

Read more from Paul

Bedford girl beats thousands to win Foyle Young Poets Award

A 17-year-old student from Bedford has beaten competition from almost 12,000 global entries to be named a top 15 winner in the prestigious Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award 2026...

Review: Smiles and superb Southeast Asian street food at Rice Street Fusions

St Cuthbert's Street is easily one of Bedford's most vibrant spots right now, so being shown to a window seat at Rice Street Fusions to watch the world go by was the perfect start to...

It’s been ten years in the making: Madness are (finally) coming to Bedford Park

Concert promoters Cuffe & Taylor have announced legendary British band Madness as the first headliner for the rebranded Live at Bedford Park 2027 series...

Gallery: Bedford River Festival 2026

What a fantastic weekend celebrating everything brilliant about Bedford at this year's Bedford River Festival. From local charities to local bands, we were entertained and inspired across...

WATCH: The River Festival is “a Bedford event,” says the Bedfordian who pulls it all together

The Bedford River Festival returns this weekend (18 and 19 July). While council staff manage the infrastructure, local independent businesses and community groups are running the main events...

Leave the car behind: Plan your perfect Bedford River Festival weekend with our complete travel guide

The Bedford River Festival returns this weekend, bringing two days of spectacular river events and live entertainment. Here is our complete travel guide to make sure your journey runs smoothly...

Music lovers ‘gutted’ as Bedford’s Slide Record Shop announces closure

The owners of the "much-loved" Slide Record Shop in The Arcade in Bedford town centre have announced the independent store is closing down after serving local vinyl fans since 2017...

Bedford Radio returns to FM for major summer festivals

Bedfordians can tune into local festival coverage on the FM dial this July as Bedford Radio secures a temporary broadcasting licence for the town's biggest summer events...

Your ultimate guide to Bedford Summer Sessions this weekend

Everything you need to know about the massive weekend of live music coming to Bedford Park's historic Grade II-listed grounds. Over the years, these concert series...

Stewartby centenary event to celebrate brickwork history and highlight Universal UK Resort future

Stewartby turns 100 next month. The village is hosting a free community celebration at the Dave Law Sports Ground to mark its historic brickmaking roots while highlighting plans for the...

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