diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index 034be8abb..7a54fd9db 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -17,6 +17,9 @@ source:
 clean:
 	rm -f *.*~ *~ *.dot
 	rm -f orgs/*~
+	rm -f defaultwelcome/*~
+	rm -f theme/indymediaclassic/welcome/*~
+	rm -f theme/indymediamodern/welcome/*~
 	rm -f website/EN/*~
 	rm -f gemini/EN/*~
 	rm -f scripts/*~
diff --git a/daemon.py b/daemon.py
index cb1c75e2d..0cfd5a2ca 100644
--- a/daemon.py
+++ b/daemon.py
@@ -239,6 +239,7 @@ from cache import checkForChangedActor
 from cache import storePersonInCache
 from cache import getPersonFromCache
 from httpsig import verifyPostHeaders
+from theme import isNewsThemeName
 from theme import getTextModeBanner
 from theme import setNewsAvatar
 from theme import setTheme
@@ -3898,7 +3899,8 @@ class PubServer(BaseHTTPRequestHandler):
                        baseDir: str, httpPrefix: str,
                        domain: str, domainFull: str,
                        onionDomain: str, i2pDomain: str,
-                       debug: bool, allowLocalNetworkAccess: bool) -> None:
+                       debug: bool, allowLocalNetworkAccess: bool,
+                       systemLanguage: str) -> None:
         """Updates your user profile after editing via the Edit button
         on the profile screen
         """
@@ -4227,6 +4229,11 @@ class PubServer(BaseHTTPRequestHandler):
                                            "mediaInstance",
                                            self.server.mediaInstance)
 
+                    # is this a news theme?
+                    if isNewsThemeName(self.server.baseDir,
+                                       self.server.themeName):
+                        fields['newsInstance'] = 'on'
+
                     # change news instance status
                     if fields.get('newsInstance'):
                         self.server.newsInstance = False
@@ -4283,7 +4290,7 @@ class PubServer(BaseHTTPRequestHandler):
                     if fields.get('themeDropdown'):
                         self.server.themeName = fields['themeDropdown']
                         setTheme(baseDir, self.server.themeName, domain,
-                                 allowLocalNetworkAccess)
+                                 allowLocalNetworkAccess, systemLanguage)
                         self.server.textModeBanner = \
                             getTextModeBanner(self.server.baseDir)
                         self.server.iconsCache = {}
@@ -4753,7 +4760,8 @@ class PubServer(BaseHTTPRequestHandler):
                             if currTheme:
                                 self.server.themeName = currTheme
                                 setTheme(baseDir, currTheme, domain,
-                                         self.server.allowLocalNetworkAccess)
+                                         self.server.allowLocalNetworkAccess,
+                                         systemLanguage)
                                 self.server.textModeBanner = \
                                     getTextModeBanner(self.server.baseDir)
                                 self.server.iconsCache = {}
@@ -10800,7 +10808,8 @@ class PubServer(BaseHTTPRequestHandler):
                 msg = \
                     htmlWelcomeScreen(self.server.baseDir, nickname,
                                       self.server.systemLanguage,
-                                      self.server.translate)
+                                      self.server.translate,
+                                      self.server.themeName)
                 msg = msg.encode('utf-8')
                 msglen = len(msg)
                 self._login_headers('text/html', msglen, callingDomain)
@@ -10827,7 +10836,8 @@ class PubServer(BaseHTTPRequestHandler):
                                        self.server.httpPrefix,
                                        self.server.domainFull,
                                        self.server.systemLanguage,
-                                       self.server.translate)
+                                       self.server.translate,
+                                       self.server.themeName)
                 msg = msg.encode('utf-8')
                 msglen = len(msg)
                 self._login_headers('text/html', msglen, callingDomain)
@@ -10854,7 +10864,8 @@ class PubServer(BaseHTTPRequestHandler):
                                      self.server.httpPrefix,
                                      self.server.domainFull,
                                      self.server.systemLanguage,
-                                     self.server.translate)
+                                     self.server.translate,
+                                     self.server.themeName)
                 msg = msg.encode('utf-8')
                 msglen = len(msg)
                 self._login_headers('text/html', msglen, callingDomain)
@@ -13534,7 +13545,8 @@ class PubServer(BaseHTTPRequestHandler):
                                 self.server.domainFull,
                                 self.server.onionDomain,
                                 self.server.i2pDomain, self.server.debug,
-                                self.server.allowLocalNetworkAccess)
+                                self.server.allowLocalNetworkAccess,
+                                self.server.systemLanguage)
             return
 
         if authorized and self.path.endswith('/linksdata'):
@@ -14271,14 +14283,6 @@ def runDaemon(brochMode: bool,
     httpd.i2pDomain = i2pDomain
     httpd.mediaInstance = mediaInstance
     httpd.blogsInstance = blogsInstance
-    httpd.newsInstance = newsInstance
-    httpd.defaultTimeline = 'inbox'
-    if mediaInstance:
-        httpd.defaultTimeline = 'tlmedia'
-    if blogsInstance:
-        httpd.defaultTimeline = 'tlblogs'
-    if newsInstance:
-        httpd.defaultTimeline = 'tlfeatures'
 
     # load translations dictionary
     httpd.translate = {}
@@ -14442,6 +14446,18 @@ def runDaemon(brochMode: bool,
     httpd.themeName = getConfigParam(baseDir, 'theme')
     if not httpd.themeName:
         httpd.themeName = 'default'
+    if isNewsThemeName(baseDir, httpd.themeName):
+        newsInstance = True
+
+    httpd.newsInstance = newsInstance
+    httpd.defaultTimeline = 'inbox'
+    if mediaInstance:
+        httpd.defaultTimeline = 'tlmedia'
+    if blogsInstance:
+        httpd.defaultTimeline = 'tlblogs'
+    if newsInstance:
+        httpd.defaultTimeline = 'tlfeatures'
+
     setNewsAvatar(baseDir,
                   httpd.themeName,
                   httpPrefix,
diff --git a/defaultwelcome/help_tlblogs_en.md b/defaultwelcome/help_tlblogs_en.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..0636712b4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/defaultwelcome/help_tlblogs_en.md
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+This timeline contains any blogs written by you or anyone that you're following.
+
+You can create a new blog post using the **publish** icon at the top of the right column.
+
+Blog posts are different from ordinary fediverse posts. They use the ActivityPub *Article* type, which is intended for long-form writing. They can also have citations, selected from items in the newswire.
diff --git a/epicyon.py b/epicyon.py
index 5b5d01b8b..ea958dd75 100644
--- a/epicyon.py
+++ b/epicyon.py
@@ -2325,7 +2325,8 @@ if YTDomain:
     if '.' in YTDomain:
         args.YTReplacementDomain = YTDomain
 
-if setTheme(baseDir, themeName, domain, args.allowLocalNetworkAccess):
+if setTheme(baseDir, themeName, domain,
+            args.allowLocalNetworkAccess, args.language):
     print('Theme set to ' + themeName)
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
diff --git a/theme.py b/theme.py
index 008d0a7f3..de444a90f 100644
--- a/theme.py
+++ b/theme.py
@@ -23,6 +23,15 @@ def _getThemeFiles() -> []:
             'welcome.css')
 
 
+def isNewsThemeName(baseDir: str, themeName: str) -> bool:
+    """Returns true if the given theme is a news instance
+    """
+    themeDir = baseDir + '/theme/' + themeName
+    if os.path.isfile(themeDir + '/is_news_instance'):
+        return True
+    return False
+
+
 def getThemesList(baseDir: str) -> []:
     """Returns the list of available themes
     Note that these should be capitalized, since they're
@@ -41,6 +50,29 @@ def getThemesList(baseDir: str) -> []:
     return themes
 
 
+def _copyThemeHelpFiles(baseDir: str, themeName: str,
+                        systemLanguage: str) -> None:
+    """Copies any theme specific help files from the welcome subdirectory
+    """
+    if not systemLanguage:
+        systemLanguage = 'en'
+    themeDir = baseDir + '/theme/' + themeName + '/welcome'
+    if not os.path.isdir(themeDir):
+        themeDir = baseDir + '/defaultwelcome'
+    for subdir, dirs, files in os.walk(themeDir):
+        for helpMarkdownFile in files:
+            if not helpMarkdownFile.endswith('_' + systemLanguage + '.md'):
+                continue
+            destHelpMarkdownFile = \
+                helpMarkdownFile.replace('_' + systemLanguage + '.md', '.md')
+            if destHelpMarkdownFile == 'profile.md' or \
+               destHelpMarkdownFile == 'final.md':
+                destHelpMarkdownFile = 'welcome_' + destHelpMarkdownFile
+            copyfile(themeDir + '/' + helpMarkdownFile,
+                     baseDir + '/accounts/' + destHelpMarkdownFile)
+        break
+
+
 def _setThemeInConfig(baseDir: str, name: str) -> bool:
     """Sets the theme with the given name within config.json
     """
@@ -633,7 +665,7 @@ def _setClearCacheFlag(baseDir: str) -> None:
 
 
 def setTheme(baseDir: str, name: str, domain: str,
-             allowLocalNetworkAccess: bool) -> bool:
+             allowLocalNetworkAccess: bool, systemLanguage: str) -> bool:
     """Sets the theme with the given name as the current theme
     """
     result = False
@@ -686,6 +718,7 @@ def setTheme(baseDir: str, name: str, domain: str,
     else:
         disableGrayscale(baseDir)
 
+    _copyThemeHelpFiles(baseDir, name, systemLanguage)
     _setThemeInConfig(baseDir, name)
     _setClearCacheFlag(baseDir)
     return result
diff --git a/theme/hacker/banner.png b/theme/hacker/banner.png
index 5d181aa52..8abfb9f97 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/banner.png and b/theme/hacker/banner.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/helpimages/welcome.jpg b/theme/hacker/helpimages/welcome.jpg
index 688320ac4..939c7b591 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/helpimages/welcome.jpg and b/theme/hacker/helpimages/welcome.jpg differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/add.png b/theme/hacker/icons/add.png
index c5b008fa1..3b1e726c0 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/add.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/add.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/avatar_default.png b/theme/hacker/icons/avatar_default.png
index 66c11c47b..9c50078f5 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/avatar_default.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/avatar_default.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/avatar_news.png b/theme/hacker/icons/avatar_news.png
index cc9b1a71c..0b5b4dd49 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/avatar_news.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/avatar_news.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/bookmark_inactive.png b/theme/hacker/icons/bookmark_inactive.png
index f031d94d6..c96d9ca0f 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/bookmark_inactive.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/bookmark_inactive.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/calendar.png b/theme/hacker/icons/calendar.png
index c70130d9f..856674c8a 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/calendar.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/calendar.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/categoriesrss.png b/theme/hacker/icons/categoriesrss.png
index a746c2337..8085b431d 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/categoriesrss.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/categoriesrss.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/delete.png b/theme/hacker/icons/delete.png
index 11977e1be..5ac4a3fb7 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/delete.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/delete.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/dm.png b/theme/hacker/icons/dm.png
index 646c65a23..5e1331675 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/dm.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/dm.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/download.png b/theme/hacker/icons/download.png
index c31d75b29..aa9067110 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/download.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/download.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/edit.png b/theme/hacker/icons/edit.png
index 02ee8c7b3..ff6ade968 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/edit.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/edit.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/like_inactive.png b/theme/hacker/icons/like_inactive.png
index adc5b1855..6dcf4ee89 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/like_inactive.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/like_inactive.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/links.png b/theme/hacker/icons/links.png
index 965033d5c..90df1fad5 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/links.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/links.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/logorss.png b/theme/hacker/icons/logorss.png
index 4d9db882c..a8eff40dd 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/logorss.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/logorss.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/logout.png b/theme/hacker/icons/logout.png
index 8ae5bee69..901334b00 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/logout.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/logout.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/mute.png b/theme/hacker/icons/mute.png
index 6969e74d3..cce158ecf 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/mute.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/mute.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/newpost.png b/theme/hacker/icons/newpost.png
index d5017855b..aa3aaf679 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/newpost.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/newpost.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/newswire.png b/theme/hacker/icons/newswire.png
index 1ca69d635..245d044b3 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/newswire.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/newswire.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/pagedown.png b/theme/hacker/icons/pagedown.png
index e1027f9a8..4eb89a48f 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/pagedown.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/pagedown.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/pageup.png b/theme/hacker/icons/pageup.png
index 1b4ce3216..06140dfdc 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/pageup.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/pageup.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/prev.png b/theme/hacker/icons/prev.png
index 0c7a3ecbf..f9c50964c 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/prev.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/prev.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/publish.png b/theme/hacker/icons/publish.png
index 6cd724fd8..194180c27 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/publish.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/publish.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/repeat_inactive.png b/theme/hacker/icons/repeat_inactive.png
index a08227403..e9da71aa3 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/repeat_inactive.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/repeat_inactive.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/reply.png b/theme/hacker/icons/reply.png
index c0b3fb8f2..1cc0ac457 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/reply.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/reply.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_blog.png b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_blog.png
index 6cd724fd8..cbeec5c3c 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_blog.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_blog.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_dm.png b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_dm.png
index ca11f79a9..160f7c2c8 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_dm.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_dm.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_event.png b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_event.png
index c70130d9f..856674c8a 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_event.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_event.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_followers.png b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_followers.png
index dd19c92f5..4f0854aa1 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_followers.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_followers.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_public.png b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_public.png
index dc8d371b0..80f7f4af2 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_public.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_public.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_question.png b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_question.png
index 846d11e21..9010c548c 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_question.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_question.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_reminder.png b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_reminder.png
index ac56a4c4f..644071bd0 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_reminder.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_reminder.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_report.png b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_report.png
index a3e0952a5..4fd8bb059 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_report.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_report.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_share.png b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_share.png
index 250b2bc39..d44b708e4 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_share.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_share.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_unlisted.png b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_unlisted.png
index 31fd5402b..34d5407ed 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/scope_unlisted.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/scope_unlisted.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/search.png b/theme/hacker/icons/search.png
index 7317eeb13..a9a7552f5 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/search.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/search.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/icons/showhide.png b/theme/hacker/icons/showhide.png
index 0c7a3ecbf..082225dae 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/icons/showhide.png and b/theme/hacker/icons/showhide.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/image.png b/theme/hacker/image.png
index 2976fa338..6006b96fb 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/image.png and b/theme/hacker/image.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/search_banner.png b/theme/hacker/search_banner.png
index 5d181aa52..8abfb9f97 100644
Binary files a/theme/hacker/search_banner.png and b/theme/hacker/search_banner.png differ
diff --git a/theme/hacker/theme.json b/theme/hacker/theme.json
index b4ceed266..7c2b120dd 100644
--- a/theme/hacker/theme.json
+++ b/theme/hacker/theme.json
@@ -18,14 +18,14 @@
     "main-bg-color-reply": "#030202",
     "main-bg-color-report": "#050202",
     "main-header-color-roles": "#1f192d",
-    "cw-color": "#00ff00",
-    "main-fg-color": "#00ff00",
-    "login-fg-color": "#00ff00",
-    "welcome-fg-color": "#00ff00",
-    "options-fg-color": "#00ff00",
-    "column-left-fg-color": "#00ff00",
+    "cw-color": "#9ad791",
+    "main-fg-color": "#9ad791",
+    "login-fg-color": "#9ad791",
+    "welcome-fg-color": "#9ad791",
+    "options-fg-color": "#9ad791",
+    "column-left-fg-color": "#9ad791",
     "border-color": "#035103",
-    "main-link-color": "#2fff2f",
+    "main-link-color": "#9ad791",
     "main-link-color-hover": "#afff2f",
     "options-main-link-color": "#2fff2f",
     "options-main-link-color-hover": "#afff2f",
@@ -34,14 +34,14 @@
     "options-main-visited-color": "#3c8234",
     "button-selected": "#063200",
     "button-background-hover": "#a62200",
-    "button-text-hover": "#00ff00",
+    "button-text-hover": "#9ad791",
     "publish-button-background": "#062200",
     "button-background": "#062200",
     "button-small-background": "#062200",
-    "button-text": "#00ff00",
-    "button-selected-text": "#00ff00",
-    "publish-button-text": "#00ff00",
-    "button-small-text": "#00ff00",
+    "button-text": "#9ad791",
+    "button-selected-text": "#9ad791",
+    "publish-button-text": "#9ad791",
+    "button-small-text": "#9ad791",
     "button-corner-radius": "4px",
     "timeline-border-radius": "4px",
     "header-font": "'Bedstead'",
@@ -59,8 +59,8 @@
     "title-text": "black",
     "title-background": "darkgreen",
     "gallery-text-color": "green",
-    "time-color": "#00ff00",
-    "place-color": "#00ff00",
-    "event-color": "#00ff00",
+    "time-color": "#9ad791",
+    "place-color": "#9ad791",
+    "event-color": "#9ad791",
     "image-corners": "0%"
 }
diff --git a/theme/henge/theme.json b/theme/henge/theme.json
index 4f6fce492..8bcaadad6 100644
--- a/theme/henge/theme.json
+++ b/theme/henge/theme.json
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
     "time-color": "grey",
     "event-color": "white",
     "login-bg-color": "#567726",
-    "welcome-bg-color": "#567726",
+    "welcome-bg-color": "#ccc",
     "login-fg-color": "black",
     "welcome-fg-color": "black",
     "options-bg-color": "black",
diff --git a/theme/indymediaclassic/helpimages/journalist.jpg b/theme/indymediaclassic/helpimages/journalist.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..a9bdd19b8
Binary files /dev/null and b/theme/indymediaclassic/helpimages/journalist.jpg differ
diff --git a/theme/indymediaclassic/helpimages/welcome.jpg b/theme/indymediaclassic/helpimages/welcome.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..3d70dc731
Binary files /dev/null and b/theme/indymediaclassic/helpimages/welcome.jpg differ
diff --git a/theme/indymediaclassic/is_news_instance b/theme/indymediaclassic/is_news_instance
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..0519ecba6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/theme/indymediaclassic/is_news_instance
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+ 
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/theme/indymediaclassic/welcome/final_en.md b/theme/indymediaclassic/welcome/final_en.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..2fd063cff
--- /dev/null
+++ b/theme/indymediaclassic/welcome/final_en.md
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+![Journalist image](/helpimages/journalist.jpg)
+### You are now a journalist!
+Welcome onboard the team. This is a moderated news instance, so please ensure that anything you write is in accordance with our [editorial policy](/terms).
+
+#### Hints
+Use the **magnifier** icon 🔍 to search for fediverse handles and follow people.
+
+Selecting the **banner at the top** of the screen switches between timeline view and your profile.
+
+The screen will not automatically refresh when articles arrive, so use **F5** or the **Features** button to refresh.
diff --git a/theme/indymediaclassic/welcome/help_tlblogs_en.md b/theme/indymediaclassic/welcome/help_tlblogs_en.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..b5752f41d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/theme/indymediaclassic/welcome/help_tlblogs_en.md
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+This timeline contains any articles published by you or anyone that you're following.
+
+You can create a new article using the **publish** icon at the top of the newswire column, or on mobile via the newswire icon.
diff --git a/theme/indymediaclassic/welcome/profile_en.md b/theme/indymediaclassic/welcome/profile_en.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..21cf17613
--- /dev/null
+++ b/theme/indymediaclassic/welcome/profile_en.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+### Journalist Setup
+Select your avatar image and add your name and description. Use a small avatar image (eg. 128x128 pixels) so that it's quick to download.
diff --git a/theme/indymediaclassic/welcome/welcome_en.md b/theme/indymediaclassic/welcome/welcome_en.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..cc812899e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/theme/indymediaclassic/welcome/welcome_en.md
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+![Welcome image](/helpimages/welcome.jpg)
+### Welcome to INSTANCE
+This is an ActivityPub server designed for publishing in the Indymedia network. It can run on low power single board computers or old laptops.
+
+Don't complain about the media. *Be the media*.
+
+Now, lets get going...
diff --git a/theme/indymediamodern/helpimages/journalist.jpg b/theme/indymediamodern/helpimages/journalist.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..a9bdd19b8
Binary files /dev/null and b/theme/indymediamodern/helpimages/journalist.jpg differ
diff --git a/theme/indymediamodern/helpimages/welcome.jpg b/theme/indymediamodern/helpimages/welcome.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..145d424a5
Binary files /dev/null and b/theme/indymediamodern/helpimages/welcome.jpg differ
diff --git a/theme/indymediamodern/is_news_instance b/theme/indymediamodern/is_news_instance
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..0519ecba6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/theme/indymediamodern/is_news_instance
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+ 
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/theme/indymediamodern/welcome/final_en.md b/theme/indymediamodern/welcome/final_en.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..2fd063cff
--- /dev/null
+++ b/theme/indymediamodern/welcome/final_en.md
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+![Journalist image](/helpimages/journalist.jpg)
+### You are now a journalist!
+Welcome onboard the team. This is a moderated news instance, so please ensure that anything you write is in accordance with our [editorial policy](/terms).
+
+#### Hints
+Use the **magnifier** icon 🔍 to search for fediverse handles and follow people.
+
+Selecting the **banner at the top** of the screen switches between timeline view and your profile.
+
+The screen will not automatically refresh when articles arrive, so use **F5** or the **Features** button to refresh.
diff --git a/theme/indymediamodern/welcome/help_tlblogs_en.md b/theme/indymediamodern/welcome/help_tlblogs_en.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..b5752f41d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/theme/indymediamodern/welcome/help_tlblogs_en.md
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+This timeline contains any articles published by you or anyone that you're following.
+
+You can create a new article using the **publish** icon at the top of the newswire column, or on mobile via the newswire icon.
diff --git a/theme/indymediamodern/welcome/profile_en.md b/theme/indymediamodern/welcome/profile_en.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..21cf17613
--- /dev/null
+++ b/theme/indymediamodern/welcome/profile_en.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+### Journalist Setup
+Select your avatar image and add your name and description. Use a small avatar image (eg. 128x128 pixels) so that it's quick to download.
diff --git a/theme/indymediamodern/welcome/welcome_en.md b/theme/indymediamodern/welcome/welcome_en.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..cc812899e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/theme/indymediamodern/welcome/welcome_en.md
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+![Welcome image](/helpimages/welcome.jpg)
+### Welcome to INSTANCE
+This is an ActivityPub server designed for publishing in the Indymedia network. It can run on low power single board computers or old laptops.
+
+Don't complain about the media. *Be the media*.
+
+Now, lets get going...
diff --git a/theme/starlight/welcome_background.jpg b/theme/starlight/welcome_background.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..f7a3f5dd0
Binary files /dev/null and b/theme/starlight/welcome_background.jpg differ
diff --git a/webapp_timeline.py b/webapp_timeline.py
index cf0e17719..be498f826 100644
--- a/webapp_timeline.py
+++ b/webapp_timeline.py
@@ -55,9 +55,19 @@ def _getHelpForTimeline(baseDir: str, boxName: str) -> str:
             getConfigParam(baseDir, 'language')
         if not language:
             language = 'en'
-        defaultFilename = \
-            baseDir + '/defaultwelcome/' + \
-            'help_' + boxName + '_' + language + '.md'
+        themeName = \
+            getConfigParam(baseDir, 'theme')
+        defaultFilename = None
+        if themeName:
+            defaultFilename = \
+                baseDir + '/theme/' + themeName + '/welcome/' + \
+                'help_' + boxName + '_' + language + '.md'
+            if not os.path.isfile(defaultFilename):
+                defaultFilename = None
+        if not defaultFilename:
+            defaultFilename = \
+                baseDir + '/defaultwelcome/' + \
+                'help_' + boxName + '_' + language + '.md'
         if not os.path.isfile(defaultFilename):
             defaultFilename = \
                 baseDir + '/defaultwelcome/help_' + boxName + '_en.md'
diff --git a/webapp_welcome.py b/webapp_welcome.py
index 77c868707..60d69612b 100644
--- a/webapp_welcome.py
+++ b/webapp_welcome.py
@@ -41,6 +41,7 @@ def welcomeScreenIsComplete(baseDir: str,
 
 def htmlWelcomeScreen(baseDir: str, nickname: str,
                       language: str, translate: {},
+                      themeName: str,
                       currScreen='welcome') -> str:
     """Returns the welcome screen
     """
@@ -53,8 +54,17 @@ def htmlWelcomeScreen(baseDir: str, nickname: str,
     welcomeText = 'Welcome to Epicyon'
     welcomeFilename = baseDir + '/accounts/' + currScreen + '.md'
     if not os.path.isfile(welcomeFilename):
-        defaultFilename = \
-            baseDir + '/defaultwelcome/' + currScreen + '_' + language + '.md'
+        defaultFilename = None
+        if themeName:
+            defaultFilename = \
+                baseDir + '/theme/' + themeName + '/welcome/' + \
+                'welcome_' + language + '.md'
+            if not os.path.isfile(defaultFilename):
+                defaultFilename = None
+        if not defaultFilename:
+            defaultFilename = \
+                baseDir + '/defaultwelcome/' + \
+                currScreen + '_' + language + '.md'
         if not os.path.isfile(defaultFilename):
             defaultFilename = \
                 baseDir + '/defaultwelcome/' + currScreen + '_en.md'
diff --git a/webapp_welcome_final.py b/webapp_welcome_final.py
index 2ae2c8996..b1635cd29 100644
--- a/webapp_welcome_final.py
+++ b/webapp_welcome_final.py
@@ -17,7 +17,8 @@ from webapp_utils import markdownToHtml
 
 def htmlWelcomeFinal(baseDir: str, nickname: str, domain: str,
                      httpPrefix: str, domainFull: str,
-                     language: str, translate: {}) -> str:
+                     language: str, translate: {},
+                     themeName: str) -> str:
     """Returns the final welcome screen after first login
     """
     # set a custom background for the welcome screen
@@ -29,8 +30,16 @@ def htmlWelcomeFinal(baseDir: str, nickname: str, domain: str,
     finalText = 'Welcome to Epicyon'
     finalFilename = baseDir + '/accounts/welcome_final.md'
     if not os.path.isfile(finalFilename):
-        defaultFilename = \
-            baseDir + '/defaultwelcome/final_' + language + '.md'
+        defaultFilename = None
+        if themeName:
+            defaultFilename = \
+                baseDir + '/theme/' + themeName + '/welcome/' + \
+                'final_' + language + '.md'
+            if not os.path.isfile(defaultFilename):
+                defaultFilename = None
+        if not defaultFilename:
+            defaultFilename = \
+                baseDir + '/defaultwelcome/final_' + language + '.md'
         if not os.path.isfile(defaultFilename):
             defaultFilename = baseDir + '/defaultwelcome/final_en.md'
         copyfile(defaultFilename, finalFilename)
diff --git a/webapp_welcome_profile.py b/webapp_welcome_profile.py
index 341ad5b55..fa78dcfce 100644
--- a/webapp_welcome_profile.py
+++ b/webapp_welcome_profile.py
@@ -20,7 +20,8 @@ from webapp_utils import markdownToHtml
 
 def htmlWelcomeProfile(baseDir: str, nickname: str, domain: str,
                        httpPrefix: str, domainFull: str,
-                       language: str, translate: {}) -> str:
+                       language: str, translate: {},
+                       themeName: str) -> str:
     """Returns the welcome profile screen to set avatar and bio
     """
     # set a custom background for the welcome screen
@@ -32,8 +33,16 @@ def htmlWelcomeProfile(baseDir: str, nickname: str, domain: str,
     profileText = 'Welcome to Epicyon'
     profileFilename = baseDir + '/accounts/welcome_profile.md'
     if not os.path.isfile(profileFilename):
-        defaultFilename = \
-            baseDir + '/defaultwelcome/profile_' + language + '.md'
+        defaultFilename = None
+        if themeName:
+            defaultFilename = \
+                baseDir + '/theme/' + themeName + '/welcome/' + \
+                'profile_' + language + '.md'
+            if not os.path.isfile(defaultFilename):
+                defaultFilename = None
+        if not defaultFilename:
+            defaultFilename = \
+                baseDir + '/defaultwelcome/profile_' + language + '.md'
         if not os.path.isfile(defaultFilename):
             defaultFilename = baseDir + '/defaultwelcome/profile_en.md'
         copyfile(defaultFilename, profileFilename)