Replying to a call containing bad news (9)
I believe the answer is:
answering
'replying' is the definition.
('answer' can be a synonym of 'reply')
'a call containing bad news' is the wordplay.
'call' becomes 'ring' (synonyms).
'containing' indicates putting letters inside.
'bad' indicates an anagram.
'a'+'ring'='aring'
'news' anagrammed gives 'nswe'.
'aring' placed around 'nswe' is 'ANSWERING'.
'to' is the link.
(Other definitions for answering that I've seen before include "Responding" , "Picking up receiver" , "Replying" , "Acknowledging" .)