Called name in worthless publication (4)
I believe the answer is:
rang
'called' is the definition.
(called on the phone)
'name in worthless publication' is the wordplay.
'name' becomes 'n' (common abbreviation e.g. on forms).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'worthless publication' becomes 'rag' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'n' put inside 'rag' is 'RANG'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rang that I've seen before include "Telephoned" , "Made a phone call" , "Phoned; did resound" , "Chimed" , "(Of bell) sounded" .)