A tōng xùn shè (news agency) is an organization that gathers, writes, and distributes news reports to newspapers, television stations, websites, and other media outlets. The word breaks down literally as tōng (to connect or communicate), xùn (message or information), and shè (a society, association, or agency). Together, they convey the idea of a formal institution dedicated to transmitting timely, verified information across regions or internationally.

Well-known examples include Xinhua News Agency (Xīnhuá Tōngxùn Shè) in China and Reuters or AFP abroad. Unlike individual journalists or blogs, a tōng xùn shè operates with editorial standards, bureaus in multiple locations, and often serves as an official or semi-official source of news. It is commonly referenced in formal writing, news broadcasts, and academic discussions about media infrastructure.