The Telegraph Agency of the Soviet Union, widely known by its acronym TASS, was officially founded in 1925 in Moscow. It emerged in the context of a burgeoning Soviet state that sought to control and direct the flow of information and news. TASS aimed to unify and consolidate the various news agencies operating within Soviet territory, ensuring that all media messages conformed to the policies and ideological framework established by the government. Its establishment was a key move in promoting state-sponsored narratives while suppressing dissenting voices.

Under the auspices of the government, TASS became the primary news agency in the Soviet Union, responsible for reporting both domestic and international news. By utilizing telegraphy and other communication technologies of the time, TASS could disseminate information rapidly across various platforms, effectively shaping public perceptions. By the late 1920s, TASS would become a vital tool for the Soviet state, influencing how information was presented to both citizens and foreign nations, often in alignment with Communist Party directives.

As a state agency, TASS operated under strict guidelines determined by the government, emphasizing the importance of producing content aligned with Soviet ideology. Reporters and journalists were closely monitored, with censorship being a common occurrence to ensure compliance with party principles. Over the decades, TASS would adapt to technology changes, transitioning from telegraphic news to radio broadcasting and later television. Its legacy would ultimately shape the evolution of media institutions within authoritarian regimes globally.