Crossword Genius

Can't do without Geordie news bosses? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

needs

'can't do without' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'geordie news bosses?' is the wordplay.
'geordie' becomes 'NE' (Geordies are from Tyneside in the North East).
'news bosses?' becomes 'eds' (editors).
'ne'+'eds'='NEEDS'

(Other definitions for needs that I've seen before include "Requires, is in want of" , "What we require" , "Is desperate for" , "Necessitates" , "necessity once" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sun.
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