Crossword Genius

Journalist in hut putting out leader (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hack

'journalist' is the definition.
(hack can informally mean a journalist)

'hut putting out leader' is the wordplay.
'hut' becomes 'shack' (synonyms).
'putting out leader' means to remove the first letter.
'shack' with its initial letter taken off is 'HACK'.

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for hack that I've seen before include "Journalistic drudge (for the chop?)" , "Chop - reporter" , "jade" , "Chop; uninspired writer" , "get information illegally" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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