Now editors have to be obliged (4)
I believe the answer is:
owed
'obliged' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'now editors have' is the wordplay.
'have' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'OWED' can be found hidden inside 'now editors'.
'to be' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for owed that I've seen before include "Was indebted" , "Was obliged to pay" , "Had an obligation to pay" , "(Sum) due for payment" , "Outstanding" .)