I would select a hosting service who will give you a DNN install that is fully operational.  For that you would need $10 for a domain and at least $5 per month, perhaps as much as $20, for the hosting (including e-mail etc.; MUST have MS SQL)

GoDaddy is inexpensive (the low end), gives you what you need but little DNN support.  3Essentials is good.  Experts like PowerDNN for their support.

Watch some of the DNN webinars/tutorials.  I am no expert, and DNN improves faster than I can keep up...  I still go back to the basic training modules and learn stuff.  They are very helpful.

Download the free and very extensive manuals (User and SuperUser/Host)

Then go play.  Ask questions.  Read.

Bob H.

If you want to use a built-in module to use for news, you might want to try the core Announcements module or the core Blog module. These are both available as standard and can be installed on a page from Add Module in the Ribbon Bar. There is also a built-in email Newsletter function available by going to Admin > Newsletters. Hope that helps!