April 13, 1917: President Woodrow Wilson launches the nation's first foray into war propaganda, the Committee on Public Information. Headed by muckracking journalist George Creel, the CPI issues posters, films and other materials to aid enlistment, the sale of war bonds, and otherwise promote the war effort. The CPI's Division of News serves as the main conduit for war information to the news media, and issues "voluntary" guidelines for the press to follow. Journalists, who are barred from the front lines, grudgingly comply with the restrictions in order to maintain access to government sources.