Crossword Genius

Short story being broadcast -- it could be gripping! (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

talon

'it could be gripping' is the definition.
(a talon may grip things)

'short story being broadcast' is the wordplay.
'short' means to remove the last letter.
'story' becomes 'tale' (synonyms).
'being broadcast' becomes 'on' (I've seen this in other clues).
'tale' with its last letter removed is 'tal'.
'tal'+'on'='TALON'

(Other definitions for talon that I've seen before include "Hooked claw; cards left after deal" , "Prey-bird's claw" , "E.g. hawk's claw" , "ogee moulding" , "part to make savage cuts" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and The Times.
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