Journalist backing proposal for reduction in rank (8)
I believe the answer is:
demotion
'reduction in rank' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'journalist backing proposal' is the wordplay.
'journalist' becomes 'ed' (short for editor).
'backing' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'proposal' becomes 'motion' (proposal at a meeting).
'ed' written backwards gives 'de'.
'de'+'motion'='DEMOTION'
'for' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for demotion that I've seen before include "A lowering in rank or position" , "being relegated" , "The putting down" , "Motioned about reduction in rank" , "put down" .)