Boost newsworthy people to some degree (4)
I believe the answer is:
hype
'boost' is the definition.
(hype can mean to boost or promote)
'newsworthy people to some degree' is the wordplay.
'to some degree' indicates a hidden word.
'HYPE' is hidden within 'newsworthy people'.
(Other definitions for hype that I've seen before include "Extravagant publicity or promotion" , "injection" , "Promotional material" , "Overdo promotion" , "Build up" .)