Deserved to move near journalist (6)
I believe the answer is:
earned
'deserved' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'to move near journalist' is the wordplay.
'to move' indicates anagramming the letters (I've seen 'moves' mean this).
'journalist' becomes 'ed' (short for editor).
'near' anagrammed gives 'earn'.
'earn'+'ed'='EARNED'
(Other definitions for earned that I've seen before include "Gained through work or effort" , "Merited; made" , "Took home" , "Received as a salary, right etc." , "made money" .)