Picture of Editorial Column, Paul Hutchinson

Editorial Column, Paul Hutchinson

Paul Hutchinson is the Bedford Independent's editor. An accredited ethical journalist he also sits on the Code Committee for press regulator IMPRESS.

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

Opinion: How a Bitcoin conference in Bedford changed the way I see financial freedom and human rights

I am sitting in a chair at a conference in Bedford. It's warm, safe, and comfortable. I have a coffee in hand, my bank card in my pocket, and absolutely no concern that I’d be able...

Opinion: Global eyes on Bedford as Bitcoin elite gather for CheatCode weekend

This weekend, Bedford is once again at the centre of the Bitcoin universe as the town hosts CheatCode – a three-day event bringing some of the most influential voices in cryptocurrency...

Opinion: Southgate is right, and it’s up to men to help our boys reject the Manosphere

On Wednesday, ex-England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate delivered the 47th Dimbleby Lecture, 'The Beautiful Game: Building Belief and Resilience in a Younger Generation' in which...

Opinion: For almost 20 years I’ve reported on a station at Wixams, it’s great to finally see building work start

Yesterday (Thursday) I put on some hi-vis safety jacket and trousers, pulled on a pair of steel toe-capped wellies, and put on a hard hat to take an exclusive look behind the scenes of...

Opinion: Bedford’s elderly caught in the middle as Lib Dems claim victory over dropped Telecare Charge which Tories say is thanks to Labour

In a display of perfect political posturing, Bedford Borough Councillors from across the floor are blaming each other for local and national 'financial black holes' leaving elderly Bedfordians caught in...

Opinion: We are Bedford and we won’t be intimidated but there’s still work to be done

I'm not going to lie, last night I was concerned. Despite several off-the-record chats with police, the council and other organisations who gave me the impression that the chance...

Opinion: Hyperbole and much of what you’d expect as MP candidates speak at REC hustings

It was a packed room at Rothsay Education Centre (REC) last night (20 June) as five of the candidates hoping to be Bedford & Kempston's next MP faced questions from local people...

Opinion: Mr Sunak, please call a general election, I’m sick of the ‘campaigning’ already

A general election is on the way, yet no one knows when it will be. Well, one person may have an idea but he's not letting on and it's driving me crazy. If you believe national media (and it's not often I do)...

Opinion: Puppy’s arrival day celebration was bittersweet

This month it was a year since our puppy, Misty arrived to live with her new family. Anyone who has owned a pet before will know it's an exciting time watching them make themselves at home, even if...

Opinion: We’re ranked number two in the UK, but what does that mean?

The life of a news editor is never dull. Each morning it's impossible to predict what you'll be doing that day, and what you'll be writing about in your latest column. I was supposed to write about fake...

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