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

Supergrass to headline at Summer Sessions 2025 as part of debut album’s 30th anniversary

In a joint gig between Live Nation, national promoters Cuffe & Taylor and Bedford-based promoters The Pad Presents, Supergrass are coming to Bedford to headline at this...

‘Bigger and better’ Bedford Christmas lights switch on this weekend

Bedford Borough Council has said they are 'thrilled' that the postponed Bedford Christmas lights switch on will happen this weekend and with a 'bigger celebration than previously...

Breaking news: Bedford town centre Christmas lights switch on postponed

The switching on of the Christmas lights in Bedford Town Centre planned for this weekend is being postponed. This is a breaking news story, more details will be added shortly...

Food and drink review: Decant Wine and Cheese Bar

Nestled in the quiet back streets of Bedford is a treat for wine and cheese lovers. The Decant Wine & Cheese Bar on Castle Lane is now in its sixth year of business and has become a popular stop for anyone...

Breaking news: Simple Minds to headline Bedford Summer Sessions 2025

Simple Minds has been announced as the headline act for next year's TK Maxx Presents Bedford Summer Sessions on Thursday, 03 July 2025. Considered one of the UK’s most successful...

Mini golf back at Russell Park with a historical twist

Mini golf is back at Russell Park, Bedford with a newly refurbished course that has taken on a historical twist celebrating the Borough's iconic landmarks. The new 12-hole accessible mini golf course...

“Best River Festival yet,” says the man who made it happen

Bjorn Hove, the man who leads on making sure the Bedford River Festival happens, has said this year could be the "best yet", with figures showing around 300,000 people attended the event...

Review: Bedford’s Alfie Templeman joins Nile Rodgers to close town’s summer sessions in style

It's been a whirlwind this last week or so with a bizarre mix of live music and elections to write about, so it was nice to finish a hectic few days watching Nile Rodgers, a man who has not only helped...

Review: James live and in the moment as Manchester legends come to Bedford

'Hi, is this Gareth from last night's James gig?' It's Sunday morning and I'm not just WhatsApping some random bloke I met at a gig, in fact, many of you will already know Gareth, because you...

Review: This ageing ‘Sk8ter Boi’ still has a crush on Avril

The sun was shining, people were smiling, it was the perfect day to kick off this year's Bedford Summer Sessions with Avril Lavine and what a gig it was. While live music in Bedford Park...

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