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 Beer & Cider Festival returns with over 90 UK cask and foreign beers, ciders, and perries to try

A popular fixture in Bedford’s annual events calendar is set to make a welcome return next month, as the much-loved Bedford Beer & Cider Festival opens its doors from Wednesday 1 to Saturday 4...

Review: Supernova Spectaculars “A spectacle of brilliance” has its world premiere in Bedford

A groundbreaking new live performance fusing film scores, 3D visuals and holographic wizardry made its world premiere in Bedford last month, offering a sensory experience unlike...

Bedford Original Culture Festival returns for day two with sunshine, music and family fun at Priory Park

Bedford's Original Culture Festival burst back into life this weekend, with crowds descending on Priory Park yesterday (Saturday) for a celebration of music, dance and community spirit...

Food review: The Blue Glass, St Peter’s Street

There are some places in Bedford that just feel right the moment you walk through the door. The Blue Glass on St Peter’s Street is one of them, an independent wine bar and merchant, lovingly...

“It stirs the soul to see a sea of smiling faces”, Russell Watson can’t wait for Bedford Park Proms

With just days to go until this year’s Proms in Bedford Park, one of Britain’s best-loved tenors, Russell Watson, says he can’t wait to take to the stage for what promises to be a magical summer evening...

Bringing the £6million party to Bedford: Why top promoters are backing our town

As music fans across Bedford count down the days to this summer’s headline gigs, the promoters behind Bedford Summer Sessions say the town has become a key stop on one...

Review: Have you Herd – they’re still the best burgers in Bedford

When people ask for recommendations on social media for the best burgers in Bedford, the responses are almost always 100% for Herd – and there’s a valid reason for that...

“Everything I’ve been through is in this album”: Bedford’s Tom Grennan on music, mistakes and growing up

Tom Grennan has had a whirlwind few years, from performing at major festivals and collaborating with chart-topping artists, to becoming a familiar face on TV and even the front of a crisp...

VE Day song by Bedford pupils to take centre stage at Bedford Park Proms

A children’s choir from Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School will open this summer’s Bedford Park Proms with a special tribute to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day...

Synths, hits and a summer night: The Human League prepare for Bedford Summer Sessions

The Human League, one of Britain’s most influential synth-pop pioneers, are set to light up Bedford Park this summer as part of the 2025 Bedford Summer Sessions concert series...

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