Answer: stringer

AnswerCrossword Clue
STRINGER

First-... (starting player)

STRINGER

Fisherman's cord

STRINGER

Tread and riser support

STRINGER
Freelance correspondent
STRINGER
Butcher's tool.
STRINGERBeam supporting a floor.
STRINGERHorizontal timber.
STRINGERCarpenter's timber.
STRINGERPart-time news correspondent
STRINGERReporter on space rates
STRINGERPart-time newspaper correspondent
STRINGERPart-time reporter
STRINGERFree-lance journalist
STRINGERTimes part-timer, maybe
STRINGERPart-time newspaper employee