Reporter's self-introduction may have a good effect! (7)
I believe the answer is:
impress
'effect' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with creating things as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for impress that I've seen before include "strike" , "force to join navy?" , "Inspire respect, stamp" , "Leave a mark or stamp" , "Make mark on, cause to admire" .)