Use of le passé simple in newspapers

Question

Is le passé simple used in daily newspapers and popular magazines or is it strictly reserved for use in literature? Merci!

Accepted Answer

It can be found in newspapers - I have seen it used in quite standard daily regional newspapers, and of course, it can be found in 'higher register' journalism. Can't say from personal experience what happens in 'popular' magazines but I would expect to see it used more in the formally written magazines.

Answer

Hi William, 
Just to add to Maarten’s excellent answer, the passé simple is very much alive in French but mainly used in literature and the media. It sounds very pompous when used orally but I am sure some ‘académiciens’ still use it! 
It is even used in young children literature for story telling and that is why it is taught at primary school in French.
You need to learn to recognise it but many verbs are easily recognisable so I would advise you to concentrate on the irregular ones.
Hope this helps!

Answer

Thanks for the reply and advice!