One shifts gear and runs over former war reporter (6)
I believe the answer is:
roadie
'former war reporter' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I cannot judge whether this works.
'one shifts gear and runs over' is the wordplay.
'one shifts gear' becomes 'adie' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'runs' becomes 'r' (cricket abbreviation).
'over' becomes 'o' (cricket abbreviation).
'r'+'o'='ro'
'adie' put after 'ro' is 'ROADIE'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for roadie that I've seen before include "Band crew member" , "One handles equipment for travelling entertainers" , "Touring band's supporter" , "Member of support crew" , "One on tour" .)