As 2017 dawns, a glimpse of journalism's future

Happy 2017!

I am not sure where the world is heading, but I think I am right now experiencing a glimpse into the future of journalism. And, let's face it, solid journalism is as important as ever.

I came across The New York Times' interactive year-in-review section.

The headline is, "The Year in Visual Stories and Graphics." It does not do justice to the work they have created and assembled here.

There is a "curated walk through the hallways of the newest Smithsonian museum," cellphone videos from a road trip in Syria, and the one that caught my eye on a not-too-groggy New Year's Day morning: "25 Songs that Tell Us Where Music is Going."

This is a fine example of how smart journalists can -- indeed, must -- integrate research, writing, visuals and audio in an attractive, intuitive package. It defines the overused expression, "immersive experience.

Like every newspaper, the venerable NYTimes has its challenges: declining circulation of what's now affectionately called the "legacy" (print) product,  slagging advertising revenue and a fickle digital subscribership.

They're working hard at audience development, a term some call "stickiness" -- a strategy that goes well beyond "chasing clicks."

It can't be easy, pulling together all this content (still a somewhat dirty word for traditional journalists) and creating an experience that is greater than the sum of its parts. For example, this piece on 25 songs caused me to rediscover Wilco after years. Then head back to the article to discover more. I'm still listening now.

That's all the content that's fit to share. Bravo, Times -- and happy New Year, old gray lady. I love your colorful dress.