Fruit products -- leading items (9)

I believe the answer is:

datelines

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'leading items' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'fruit products' is the wordplay.
'fruit' becomes 'date' (date is a kind of fruit).
'products' becomes 'lines' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'date'+'lines'='DATELINES'

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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