Crossword Genius

Message spread, allowed to be written about (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

telegram

'message' is the definition.
(telegram is a kind of message)

'spread allowed to be written about' is the wordplay.
'spread' becomes 'marge' (marge is a kind of spread**).
'allowed' becomes 'let' (I've seen this before).
'to be written about' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'marge'+'let'='margelet'
'margelet' reversed gives 'TELEGRAM'.

(Other definitions for telegram that I've seen before include "Message sent by wire" , "Message once sent by radio or electrical signals" , "cable" , "(Old) type of message" , "Pre-1980s electronic message" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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