Where to start
That site seems amateur at best. I'd be surprised if it wasn't being run by a JW. If not the site then at least that post.
Probably one of the JWs that preys on other JWs. Open a site, post a couple pro-jw stories, post link on social media, make money on advertising.
Either way it is typical JW slippery speak that is hard to refute because it isn't and outright lie. It is easy to be number one when you define the criteria.
What was the criteria for judging the popularity?
But, we have compiled a list of top 10 most popular magazines of 2020 is based on their circulation and popularity.
Obviously written by someone skilled in circular reasoning. However they are clearly not skilled in writing.
Comparing the WT and Awake to a commercial magazine is a bit of a
stretch. It's like comparing a matchbox car to it's real life
counterpart.
Does folding the pages in half and stapling them make something a magazine?
Calling it a magazine is another one of the JW slippery terms. Even if it is technically a magazine calling it one is deceptive.
Find another "magazine" that is written on 100% news print.
The only ones I can think of are those advertising ones near the exit to supermarkets and restaurant. I know I have never thought of those as magazines.
Circulation:
They have a forced circulation of 8 million right off the bat.
Minus that from the total and what have you got? Considering that it is published world wide makes whatver it is even less impressive.
Even if it is still more than other "magazines" what is the value of that circulation? It certainly isn't turning into a lot more recruits.
From their perspective it probably means that whoever took the WT or Awake has accepted the license agreement to join or be killed at the big A.