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

Global superstar Harry Styles chooses independent Bedford coffee shop for a midweek pick-me-up

One of the world’s biggest pop stars was spotted enjoying a quiet coffee in Bedford town centre this morning (Wednesday). Harry Styles surprised staff at Bedford’s No. 7 Coffee House...

Bedford Borough’s quacky tradition returns as Duck Dash turns 30

The 30th annual Eileen Wade Primary School Duck Dash will take place in Upper Dean on Saturday, 21 March 2026, with 1,700 ducks racing down the village brook followed by a family fete...

“Bedford boy’s coming home”: Why it may be the last chance to hear some of Tom Grennan’s older tracks live

Ahead of his Bedford Park show, Tom Grennan shares why Bedford will always be home and hints some songs may be played live for the last time. When Tom Grennan talks about Bedford...

‘Evolution, not revolution’: ahead of his Bedford gig, Geoff Norcott talks masculinity, mental health and Basic Bloke 2

Ahead of his Bedford show, Geoff Norcott explains how Basic Bloke 2 tackles modern masculinity, mental health and male friendships without turning comedy into a lecture...

Support acts announced for Paul Weller’s Bedford Park return

Miles Kane and rising Manchester band Arkayla have been confirmed as special guests for Paul Weller’s Bedford Park show as part of TK Maxx presents Bedford Summer Sessions...

Food review: Dadaji’s – South Asian cuisine in Castle Lane

We’ve watched the team behind Dadaji’s evolve their offering over the years, and it really feels like they’ve found their sweet spot with this one. Right in the heart of town, Dadaji’s isn’t...

Fans, venues and local heroes shine in Bedford’s “love letter” to Tom Grennan

Bedford fans, businesses and community groups star in a new Tom Grennan ‘Remind Me’ video, created by Cuffe & Taylor ahead of his 2026 Bedford Park homecoming...

Sugababes bring exclusive UK show to Bedford Borough’s Tofte Manor

Iconic girl group Sugababes will headline Labyrinth Open Air at Tofte Manor in Bedfordshire on 5 July, in what organisers say is their only UK show, with Groove Armada also confirmed on the bill...

Review: Fuego is perfect for a lunch that’s fast, fresh and full of Spanish flavour

If you work in town, you’ll know the holy trinity of a good lunch: quick, good value and reliably on time. Fuego understands that perfectly, and their lunch menu hits all three without losing the magic...

Bedford River Festival 2026 invites traders, caterers and charities to apply for pitches

Traders, caterers and charities are being invited to apply for pitches at Bedford River Festival 2026, following a record 300,000 visitors at this year’s free two-day event. Applications are now open...

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