Crossword Genius

Did judge recall black journalist? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rated

'did judge' is the definition.
(rating is a kind of judging)

'recall black journalist?' is the wordplay.
'recall' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'black' becomes 'tar' (I've seen this in other clues).
'journalist?' becomes 'ed' (short for editor).
'tar' written backwards gives 'rat'.
'rat'+'ed'='RATED'

(Other definitions for rated that I've seen before include "deserved" , "Was worthy of" , "Admired" , "Taxed" , "Adjudged" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app