Crossword Genius

Drop journalist caught by dispute (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reduction

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'drop' is the definition.
(a reduction is a drop or decrease)

'journalist caught by dispute' is the wordplay.
'journalist' becomes 'ed' (short for editor).
'caught' indicates putting letters inside.
'by dispute' becomes 'ruction' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'ed' going within 'ruction' is 'REDUCTION'.

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(Other definitions for reduction that I've seen before include "Introduce (anag) - decrease" , "Lessening" , "from nine to five, for example" , "Decrease, diminution" , "thickened sauce?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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