Ruined model spots journalist (7)
I believe the answer is:
trashed
'ruined' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'model spots journalist' is the wordplay.
'model' becomes 'T' (Ford Model T car).
'spots' becomes 'rash' (as in skin irritation).
'journalist' becomes 'ed' (short for editor).
't'+'rash'+'ed'='TRASHED'
(Other definitions for trashed that I've seen before include "Criticised" , "Vandalised" , "Destroyed" , "completely taken apart" .)