The press is often regarded as the fourth estate of a democracy – the watchdog that monitors and reports on the activities of the government. The power of newspapers to inform and shape public opinion is immense.
Each morning, millions of readers around the globe turn to the printed page to learn about the latest news and opinion. Newspapers are produced in a wide range of sizes and formats, both national and local, and can be either broadsheet or tabloid.
Here we look at the ten most-read newspapers in the world, according to the Alliance for Audited Media (AAM) figures for January–June 2018.
1. The New York Time
Average Daily Readers: ~ 10 million
Average Daily Print/Digital circulation: ~ 9.0 million
Average Daily Online unique visitors: ~ 2.9 million
(Main version) Language: English
The New York Times is one of the leading American newspapers published in New York City since 1851. It is known for its accurate, trustworthy, and comprehensive reporting on global news, politics, economy, and culture. It is an influential voice in the public discourse and reaches millions of people across the United States and around the world. The New York Times is one of the most acclaimed news sources, having won over 140 Pulitzer Prizes.
2.The Yomiuri Shimbun (Japan)
Average Daily Readers: ~ 7.8 million
Average Daily Print/Digital circulation: ~ 7.0 million
Average Daily Online unique visitors: ~ 0.8 million
(Main version) Language: Japanese
The Japanese-language newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun is the world’s most widely read daily newspaper with a circulation figure of over 10 million copies. Founded in 1874, the paper has eight national editions and is printed in 37 bureaus around Japan.
It was formerly known as The Tokyo Nichi Nichi Shimbun and has previously held the record for the most copies sold of any single newspaper in the world – a record held for fifty-four consecutive years from 1945 until 1999.
3. The Asahi Shimbun (Japan)
Average Daily Readers: ~ 4.8 million
Average Daily Print/Digital circulation: ~ 3.0 million
Average Daily Online unique visitors: ~ 0.6 million
(Main version) Language: Japanese
The Asahi Shimbun is one of the largest newspapers in Japan. It was founded in 1879 and is headquartered in Tokyo. It has multiple regional editions, and its reporting covers both domestic and international news.
It is widely respected for its investigative reporting and analysis of important issues. It has won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting.
4. The Times of India
Average Daily Readers: ~ 8.8 million
Average Daily Print/Digital circulation: ~ 6.0 million
Average Daily Online unique visitors: ~ 0.9 million
(Main version) Language: English
The Times of India is the most popular English-language newspaper in India, with a daily circulation of more than 3.3 million. It is owned by The Times Group and is the flagship publication of Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.
The newspaper was founded in 1838 and is published in 12 cities across India, with its largest editions being published in Mumbai and Delhi. The Times of India covers a wide range of topics, including politics, business, sports, entertainment, health, lifestyle, culture, and technology.
It also includes a range of special sections such as the Times Ascent, for career-related news, and Times Global, for global news coverage.
Average Daily Readers: ~ 9.8 million
5. The Daily Telegraph (Uk)
Average Daily Print/Digital circulation: ~ 7.0 million
Average Daily Online unique visitors: ~ 1 million
(Main version) Language: English
The Daily Telegraph is a daily tabloid newspaper published in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1855, it is one of the world’s oldest surviving newspapers. Owned by the Barclay brothers, it is known for its conservative editorial stance and is one of Britain’s best-selling newspapers.
The Telegraph has been the main source of news and analysis for millions of readers in the UK and around the world, with an estimated daily print circulation of more than 360,000 copies, as well as millions of digital readers. Its website is the most popular paper website in the UK, with 7.2 million daily visits in April 2020.
6. The Guardian (UK)
Average Daily Readers: ~ 9.8 million
Average Daily Print/Digital circulation: ~ 8.0 million
Average Daily Online unique visitors: ~ 0.88 million
(Main version) Language: English
The Guardian has written a number of articles about Cuba. They have covered a variety of topics including major political stories, economic development, and social issues affecting the country.
One article from 2019 focused on the country’s efforts to improve education and combat poverty. Another article from 2018 discusses the impact of new US restrictions on Cuba, looking at how it has affected the country economically and politically.
The Guardian also regularly covers cultural events taking place in Cuba such as the annual Havana Festival of New Latin American Cinema and the International Jazz Day festival
7. Daily Mail (UK)
Average Daily Readers: ~ 7.8 million
Average Daily Print/Digital circulation: ~ 6.0 million
Average Daily Online unique visitors: ~ 0.5million
(Main version) Language: English
The Daily Mail is a British daily tabloid newspaper published in London, England. Founded in 1896, the newspaper has a long history of reporting on national and international news, politics, sports, entertainment, lifestyle, and other topics of interest.
The paper is known for its emphasis on celebrity news and gossip, its right-wing stance on various topics, and sensationalism. It is one of the most widely read newspapers in the UK.
8. The Sun (UK)
Average Daily Readers: ~ 6.8 million
Average Daily Print/Digital circulation: ~ 6.0 million
Average Daily Online unique visitors: ~ 0.5million
(Main version) Language: English
The Sun is a tabloid newspaper published in the United Kingdom. It is the highest circulating paid-for daily newspaper in the country. The paper was first published as a broadsheet in 1964 and it has been owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers since 1969.
The Sun is known for its conservative editorial line, sensationalist headlines, and uncompromising reporting on topics such as politics, crime, and celebrity scandals.
The paper has been criticized for its promotion of some controversial issues, for example, its coverage of the Brexit referendum and its support of then-prime minister Theresa May.
9. The Washington Post (USA)
Average Daily Readers: ~ 6.5million
Average Daily Print/Digital circulation: ~ 9.0 million
Average Daily Online unique visitors: ~ 0.59million
(Main version) Language: English
The Washington Post has long been viewed as one of America’s leading newspapers. It is widely read by politicians, policymakers, and the general public alike for its comprehensive coverage of national and international news, commentary, and analysis.
The paper covers topics from politics to the arts and often serves as the source of news for many other print and online publications in the US. The Washington Post is available in both online and print formats and is distributed in the greater Washington D.C. area.
10. Dainik Bhaskar
Average Daily Readers: ~ 3.5million
Average Daily Print/Digital circulation: ~ 2.0 million
Average Daily Online unique visitors: ~ 0.4million
(Main version) Language: Hindi
Dainik Bhaskar is a leading Indian newspaper based in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the most widely circulated Hindi-language publications in the country with a circulation of more than 15 million copies across 20 states.
Established in 1958 by the Bhaskar Group of Publications, Dainik Bhaskar is one of the most profitable regional newspapers in the market. Dainik Bhaskar has a wide range of topics covered in its broadsheet including real estate, business, technology, lifestyle, health, sports, entertainment, and more.
The publication also runs a website as well as a host of other digital platforms, providing readers with unparalleled access to news and information. Dainik Bhaskar’s readership crosses over 35 million, making it one of the most widely-read publications in India.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the most read newspapers in the world are very diverse in terms of where they are published, and the kinds of content they feature. Though some of the most widely read newspapers come from the United States and western Europe, other nations and cultures produce newspapers that have loyal readers.
Moreover, although print circulation numbers have been in decline, more and more people are turning to the internet to source their news, with the trend being upward in the majority of countries around the world.
It is clear that the news industry is in a transition, but newspapers and the news media remain an integral part of public consciousness and society.