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

Review: Goldington Academy’s Sister Act proves Heaven is a school that embraces the arts

What was an invitation to watch the recent production of Sister Act by Goldington Academy, has turned what was supposed to be a standard review into a record of how important it is for schools...

Bedford band selected to join R&B legends Sister Sledge for UK tour

Bedford band, Funk Odyssey, have been selected to support soul and R&B legends Sister Sledge as part of their forthcoming UK Foodies Festival tour. The tour will see the band head to a series of food...

Review: Longholme Life is a Bedfordian treat you just have to experience

With spring approaching it’s a perfect time to talk about The Longholme, one of Bedford’s most popular spots to enjoy delicious food and drink, especially as it makes the most of its location between...

Bedford’s own Five Past 5 joins Pete Tong for this year’s Summer Sessions

Bedford's own Five Past 5 will be joining DJ Pete Tong for this year's Bedford Summer Sessions in Bedford Park on Friday, 5 July. Pete Tong is returning to Bedford to headline a special Ibiza Classics...

Avril Lavigne coming to Bedford for exclusive South of England headline show

Live Nation and leading live music and event promoter Cuffe & Taylor have just revealed (Monday) that Avril Lavigne will perform her only South of England headline show at Bedford Park on Saturday, 29 June...

Review: Paris House – modern fine dining right on our doorstep

While I wouldn’t consider myself a full-on-foody, I love food and feel I know enough about it to tell when I’m about to experience something special. I got this feeling the moment I walked through...

World-famous prankster and comedian Simon Brodkin is ‘Screwed Up’ and coming to Bedford

"I'll go anywhere, mate" Simon Brodkin told the Bedford Independent this week ahead of his appearance at the Bedford Corn Exchange next Friday (27 October) as part of his 'Screwed Up...

Exclusive: Bedford River Festival to be replaced with annual family festival

The Bedford Independent has learned of plans to replace the Bedford River Festival with an annual summer 'family festival' that organisers say will "celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures, businesses...

Review: Just when I didn’t think I could be any more proud of Bedford, George Ezra comes to town

I must confess I'm not the biggest George Ezra fan, what I mean is, I like his music and sing along to his songs when they're on the radio but he's not in my top ten favourite musicians and I don't know much...

Gallery: Bedford Park Concerts 2023

Bedford Park Concerts 2023 is bigger than ever, with world-class acts coming to Bedford for the Bedford Park Concerts summer series. Send us your pictures from the night and we'll feature them...

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