Some journalism earnestly shows slander (5)

I believe the answer is:

smear

'slander' is the definition.
('smear' can be a synonym of 'slander')

'some journalism earnestly shows' is the wordplay.
'some' says the answer is hidden in the clue (some of the parts of the word are used).
'SMEAR' can be found hidden inside 'journalism earnestly shows'.

(Other definitions for smear that I've seen before include "sample on slide" , "Slur - may be studied microscopically" , "Blur, smudge" , "False accusation; blur" , "Smother" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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