Crossword Genius

Employed American journalist (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

used

'employed' is the definition.
('use' can be a synonym of 'employ')

'american journalist' is the wordplay.
'american' becomes 'US' (United States).
'journalist' becomes 'ed' (short for editor).
'us'+'ed'='USED'

(Other definitions for used that I've seen before include "Prepossessed, perhaps" , "Utilised" , "Scottish expert" , "No longer new" , "Enjoyed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent, The Mirror and The Daily Express.
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