Crossword Genius

Can't do without Tyneside newsmen? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

needs

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'can't do without' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'tyneside newsmen?' is the wordplay.
'tyneside' becomes 'ne' (region in North East of England).
'newsmen?' becomes 'eds' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'ne'+'eds'='NEEDS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for needs that I've seen before include "necessity once" , "What is required" , "Necessities" , "shopping-list, say" , "Essentials" .)

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