Cumhuriyet retains title of Turkey's most trusted newspaper in 2026 Reuters report

Cumhuriyet newspaper has once again been recognized as Turkey's most trusted national newspaper, retaining its top position in the 2026 Reuters Institute Digital News Report. The annual report, which surveys nearly 100,000 participants across 48 countries, examines media consumption habits, usage trends, and trust levels in news brands.

In the 'Brand Trust' segment of the 2026 report, Cumhuriyet garnered a trust rating of 49%. This marks the second consecutive year the newspaper has achieved the highest trust score among national publications, mirroring its performance in the 2025 report. The survey also indicated that 26% of participants held a neutral view of Cumhuriyet, while only 24% expressed distrust, positioning it as one of the media outlets with the lowest 'distrust' rate alongside its high trust score.

The Reuters Institute's analysis of Turkey's media landscape noted significant challenges. It pointed to the concentration of media ownership within a few centers, with major television and print organizations often controlled by holding companies close to the government. Independent media outlets, operating with limited financial resources, face both traditional and digital pressures. This environment, the report suggests, narrows the visibility of diverse viewpoints in the public sphere.

Furthermore, the report highlighted the impact of algorithm changes on the digital media sector. Specific Google updates between August 2024 and March 2025 reportedly led to substantial traffic losses for independent news sites, with some publishers experiencing drops of up to 80%. The report also touched upon the expanding oversight of the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) in digital broadcasting, noting that independent publishers and popular YouTube channels are increasingly facing mandatory licensing requirements, thereby increasing regulatory influence over both traditional and digital media.