Was previously top, top journalist (7)
I believe the answer is:
existed
'was' is the definition.
(past tense of to be - to exist)
'previously top top journalist' is the wordplay.
'previously' becomes 'ex' (I've seen this in other clues).
'top' becomes 'Ist' (resembles 1st).
'top journalist' becomes 'ed' (short for editor).
'ex'+'ist'+'ed'='EXISTED'
(Another definition for existed that I've seen is " Lived".)
I've seen this clue in The Times.
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