Works of poets are broadcast (8)
I believe the answer is:
operates
'works' is the definition.
('operate' can be a synonym of 'work')
'poets are broadcast' is the wordplay.
'broadcast' indicates anagramming the letters.
'poets'+'are'='poetsare'
'poetsare' is an anagram of 'OPERATES'.
'of' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for operates that I've seen before include "Acts" , "Performs sugery" , "Works" , "Functions" , "'Uses, manipulates (8)'" .)