What skylight filter should I get to protect my news lens

Regardless of whether or not you get a filter, to protect the lens (and improve the image quality) you should get a lens hood.  I use hoods, and I only use filters if I want an effect (Circular Polarizer) or in conditions where the front element is likely to get affected by something (yellowstone is a good example, as would be an area with blowing sand like a beach or desert in the wind).