Crossword Genius

Careless broadcast shows needs (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lacks

'needs' is the definition.
(lack is a kind of need)

'careless broadcast' is the wordplay.
'careless' becomes 'lax' ('lax' can be a synonym of 'careless').
'broadcast' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue (how the word might sound on the radio or TV).
'lax' sounds like 'LACKS'.

'shows' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for lacks that I've seen before include "Doesn't have" , "Needs" , "Has a want" , "Wants, is deficient in" , "Is without, wants" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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