Transcription, the first step in the process of gene expression, is a process during which RNA is synthesized from the complementary DNA strand. RNA polymerase is the central machinery that catalyzes RNA synthesis in a DNA-dependent manner. To initiate transcription, RNA polymerase needs to recognize a region called promoter, which is located upstream of operons/genes. Transcription is tightly regulated through the stages of initiation, elongation and termination. Various factors, including DNA signals, regulatory proteins, noncoding RNAs and small ligands cooperates with RNA polymerase to control transcription. This article reviews our current understanding of transcription regulation in bacteria.