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

Gallery: Bedford River Festival 2026

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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...

Everything you need to know as Bedford River Festival returns next month

Bedford River Festival returns on 18 and 19 July with dragon boats, raft races, live music, classic cars, watersports and family entertainment. Thousands of people are expected to descend on...

Win Tom Grennan, Paul Weller, UB40 and Deacon Blue tickets in Bedford indie business challenge

The Bedford Independent, Bedford Summer Sessions and four local businesses are giving away tickets and Retreat upgrades through a town-wide riddle challenge...

Tom Grennan Bedford Park line-up completed as Fiona-Lee joins bill

Fiona-Lee has joined Brooke Combe on the line-up for Tom Grennan’s Bedford Park homecoming show this summer, with final tickets now on sale. The Bedford-born singer will...

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