Blank, news boss stared stupidly (5)
I believe the answer is:
gaped
'stared stupidly' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with perception as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
'blank news boss' is the wordplay.
'blank' becomes 'gap'.
'news boss' becomes 'ed' (I've seen this in other clues).
'gap'+'ed'='GAPED'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for gaped that I've seen before include "Was yawning" , "Stared open-mouthed - yawned" , "shown astonishment" , "Opened mouth wide" , "Looked stunned" .)