360 Blockchain Inc's (CNSX:CODE) media platform, Pressland, said it has hired experienced journalist Alexander Zaitchik as its first editorial director.
Pressland will relaunch this year as a blockchain-powered enterprise dedicated to improving media transparency and fighting "fake news".
"Alex is one of the most talented journalists I've ever known and we're extremely fortunate that he's making himself available to lead Pressland's editorial operations," said Jeff Koyen, serving as Pressland's project lead.
"His pedigree of trust and transparency is impeccable. This will prove critical as we relaunch Pressland as an enterprise platform for media integrity."
Zaitchik's reporting has appeared in The Guardian, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The New Republic, Men's Journal, to name a few. He is also the author of two nonfiction books about politics and the media.
360 noted that Zaitchik and Koyen had a track record of building media properties together.
In 2002, they co-edited the Prague Pill, a fortnightly newspaper published in the Czech capital. In 2003, they successfully relaunched New York Press, a weekly newspaper distributed throughout New York City.
They have worked together in both freelance and contracted capacities.
"As a journalist whose work depends on public trust in the media, I'm worried about the current state of affairs," said Zaitchik.
"Pressland's mission to reclaim this trust is more important than ever, and I'm thrilled to join the company at this critical time for the industry."
Pressland aims to issue its own transactional currency in the form of a blockchain-based cryptographic token.
The token sale will be managed by Koyen. Further details about the token sale will be released next month (June).
"Blockchain technology enjoyed its first hype cycle last year, but 2018 will be the year we see practical applications solving real-world problems, including those related to online trust and transparency," said George Tsafalas, 360's CEO.
"We continue to be excited by Pressland's progress and Jeff Koyen's plan for its future."
360 Blockchain shares were unchanged in Toronto at C$0.090.