Crossword Genius

Inexperienced hack receives key preliminary report (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

newsflash

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'preliminary report' is the definition.
'newsflash' can be an answer for 'report' (newsflash is a kind of report). I am not certain of the 'preliminary' bit.

'inexperienced hack receives key' is the wordplay.
'inexperienced' becomes 'new' (similar in meaning).
'hack' becomes 'slash' (slash can mean to hack or chop).
'receives' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters are received).
'key' becomes 'f' (musical key).
'slash' enclosing 'f' is 'sflash'.
'new'+'sflash'='NEWSFLASH'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for newsflash that I've seen before include "Brief report" , "Bulletin" , "Dramatic announcement" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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