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 is getting international traction” says Sting’s son and Bedford Park support act Joe Sumner

With Bedford Park Concerts returning this weekend, we've been catching up with one of the acts, Joe Sumner, who is supporting his dad, Sting for his 'My Songs' world tour on Saturday (24 June)...

A family affair as Sting’s son to join his dad in Bedford Park

Singer, songwriter and bassist Joe Sumner will join his dad Sting as the special guest in Bedford Park this summer as part of his acclaimed My Songs World Tour on Saturday, 24 June 2023. Joe Sumner is...

Walk through Bedford Borough’s thousand-year history with new tours

The Bedford Association of Tour Guides has launched eight new walking tours for Bedfordians and visitors to Bedford Borough. Led by knowledgeable...

Review: From Goldington Academy to Rydell High student-led performance was greased lightning

I don't think you can say the word 'Grease' to anyone and not get at least a hint of recognition about one of the world's most-loved musicals. So, it was quite exciting to hear...

Brit Award nominee will join George Ezra in Bedford Park this summer

Brit Award nominee Cat Burns has been announced as support for George Ezra's Bedford Park Concert's gig this summer on Friday, 30 June 2023. Cat Burns is a 21-year-old singer and songwriter...

Squid Game reality show makers deny serious injuries at Bedford filming

The makers of a new reality game show based on the South Korean drama TV series being filmed at Bedford have denied reports contestants suffered serious injuries in freezing temperatures. Netflix...

Bedfordshire’s first black policeman launches new books telling his life story

Bedfordshire's first black policeman, Eric Edwin, is being helped to tell his life story by academics at the University of Bedfordshire this evening.  The first chapters of Eric Edwin’s memoir...

Live music ‘on the platforms’ as Bedford train station raises money for Bedford Foodbank

Thameslink and the Beds & Herts Community Rail Partnership are hosting a series of live music concerts next week to entertain passengers and locals while raising money and collections...

Sting announces summer gig in Bedford Park

British music legend, Sting, is coming to Bedford Park this summer as part of the Bedford Park summer concert series on Saturday, 24 June 2023. This is the second summer season gig...

George Ezra to headline Bedford Park Concerts 2023

Bedford Park Concerts have announced the headline for their summer concert series 2023 will be multi-platinum-selling artist George Ezra. With three UK No.1 albums Wanted On Voyage (2014)...

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