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

“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...

“You can thank Fat Boy Slim” Madness frontman Suggs says he’s the reason they’re coming to Sharnbrook

Madness frontman Suggs has promised Bedford fans a night to remember when the iconic British band headline Sharnbrook’s 2025 Summer Series, and you can thank Fat Boy Slim...

Bedford Kite and Motoring Festival returns for ‘spectacular weekend’ of family fun this June

Bedford’s skies will once again be filled with colour and creativity as the Bedford Kite and Motoring Festival returns on Saturday, 21 and Sunday, 22 June 2025, offering two days of free...

Dragons, dancing and local pride: St George’s Day comes to Bedford town centre

Bedford will come alive with music, dance and community spirit next month as the Borough Council hosts a St George’s Day celebration on Saturday, 26 April 2025, in Harpur Square and the...

Bookworms boost Bedford libraries to record-breaking February

Love Libraries Month saw a record-breaking February in Bedford Borough, with more than 30,000 visits recorded across the borough’s libraries – and the highest-ever monthly footfall...

Review: Cibo – you won’t find better subs anywhere else

Cibo is a name most foodies across Bedford Borough will already be aware of, and while the closure of the Newnham Street eatery was a shock, it’s now made way for the next generation of the Bosco family to make their mark on...

Russell Watson and Lesley Garrett to headline Bedford Proms in the Park 2025

The much-loved Proms in the Park is set to return to Bedford Park on Sunday, 6 July 2025, as part of the Bedford Summer Sessions – and this year’s lineup promises an unforgettable evening of...

Bedford Summer Sessions gets a little spicier with latest announcement

Pop icon Melanie C has been announced as a special guest DJ for Café Mambo Ibiza in the Park, part of TK Maxx Presents Bedford Summer Sessions 2025. She will take to the...

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