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

Christmas lights, live music and festive markets to fill Bedford town centre and beyond this winter

Bedford Borough Council has announced a packed programme of festive family events, starting with the Christmas Light Switch-On in Harpur Square on Saturday 22 November and continuing...

Bedford’s Christmas Tree Festival marks 25 years of fundraising and festive joy

Bedford’s Christmas Tree Festival celebrates its 25th year with 70 decorated trees, live music, and festive events at St Paul’s Church, raising funds for local charities...

Young Bedfordshire entrepreneur named Business Content Creator of the Year

Bedfordshire’s Jo Bolton, founder of Flourish Social Hub, has been named Business Content Creator of the Year 2025 for her work helping small businesses grow with confidence and creativity...

New Greek café adds Mediterranean flavour to Bedford’s Castle Road

A new Greek café has opened on Castle Road, bringing authentic Cretan food, desserts, and coffee to Bedford. Cozy Greek Coffee Shop, Deli & Desserts is open seven days a week...

5 Akhis expands to Bedford with new halal burger restaurant on Castle Lane

Halal burger brand 5 Akhis has opened a new restaurant on Castle Lane, Bedford. Founded in Milton Keynes in 2020, the chain is known for its bold flavours and community focus...

Bedford’s Tom Grennan returns home for massive Summer Sessions headline gig

Bedford-born star Tom Grennan will headline TK Maxx presents Bedford Summer Sessions 2026 at Bedford Park on Saturday, 4 July, a huge homecoming for the chart-topping artist...

Johnny Hates Jazz frontman Clark Datchler on music, the planet and playing Bedford Esquires

Johnny Hates Jazz frontman Clark Datchler tells the Bedford Clanger how nature inspires his songwriting and why musicians should inspire, not lecture. When Shattered Dreams...

From Shattered Dreams to timeless hits: Johnny Hates Jazz talks to the Bedford Clanger ahead of Esquires gig

Johnny Hates Jazz frontman Clark Datchler speaks to the Bedford Clanger about the band’s legacy, new music, and their Bedford Esquires gig this week. Nearly four decades after...

You don’t have to leave Bedford for date nights, mate nights and family fun

Whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids, planning a big birthday bash, or a date night with a difference, you don’t have to leave Bedford to have a great time. From next-level mini golf to...

Guess who’s back? The Flute reopens in a new venue promising classy nights with their chic reimagined style

Bedford’s independent scene has a new reason to celebrate as The Flute makes its long-awaited return to the town's nightlife scene. Re-opened and reimagined by husband-and-wife team...

Get the latest Bedford news first

Subscribe to our free daily email for our lead story each morning before we publish it anywhere else, plus the key Bedford Borough headlines from the last 24 hours – without having to log into social media.