Crossword Genius

Fool first journalist to be helped (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

assisted

'be helped' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'fool first journalist' is the wordplay.
'fool' becomes 'ass' (both can mean a stupid person).
'first' becomes 'ist' (ist resembles 1st).
'journalist' becomes 'ed' (short for editor).
'ass'+'ist'+'ed'='ASSISTED'

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for assisted that I've seen before include "Aided" , "to small sibling involved in stormy dates" , "Lent a hand" , "Helped" , "given help" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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