The vast majority of the world love their news and information in bite sized chunks. It's easier to remember and easier to digest. This is the same cadre who download e-books or listen to audio tapes of books in their cars because they just can't be bothered taking a few minutes out of their day to actually pick up a book.
Not that there aren't merits to audio books. Just thought I'd head that one off before someone gets something stuck in their craw.
I don't think books will every really go away. A book is solid. You can feel it, manipulate it, smell it (Yes, there is something magical about the smell of a really old book
) It's like you can feel the intent of the writer and the passages of time with every careful turn of a faded yellow page. I get goosebumps. I take full advantage of the local library, both public and campus, and donate as much as I can, be it time or money, because it isn't a real labor at all.
Newspapers will fall, cable news will continue the downward spiral, and media conglomerates will continue to push the agenda of their owners with a callous smirk on their faces, but books.....are books. To be read, to be digested and above all, to be enjoyed.