No.
We have exciting new plans in the works for newspapers, including a deadline day and actual payouts for articles!
There will be a teeny tiny application for getting the Reporter role in Discord to post in the news channels, and to get the IC paychecks. Keep an eye on Announcements for this application release and more info!
That said, you CAN pursue journalism and start your own paper right off the bat without applying for the Reporter role. As a freelancer, there will be fewer perks, but you’ll also have a stash of brownie points to show on your reporter application!