Terrorists try to be present in the media as often and for as long as possible, in order to make themselves known to the public. They attempt to influence the public by making the organization's existence known: terrorists attract attention and people will become aware of the group's existence, methods and targets. In fact, terrorists carry out their propaganda by proxy (Transnational Terrorism, 2008, p. 7). Terrorists use the media “not only to make themselves known to the public, but they also want to try to get their messages across through the media. Sometimes this can be achieved simply by carrying out attacks: the public may wonder why people would do such things” (Transnational Terrorism, 2008, p. 8). The result of terrorists using the media for their own advantage has been that “terrorist attacks are increasingly carefully planned to attract media attention” (Weimann, 1987, p. 23). With reliance on news being so high, it becomes more possible for the media to present information in a specific way for the public. The media's role in news coverage gives it the “potential to structure issues for the public” (Littlejohn & Foss, 2011, p. 341). “Agenda setting is the theory that the more attention a media outlet pays to a certain phenomenon, the more importance the public places on such an issue” (Transnational Terrorism, 2008, p. 5). “Media coverage often over-dramatizes an event by focusing on the rising emotions, timelines, and possible scenarios that result” (Weimann, 1987, p. 27). Often in media portrayals of terrorism, "dramatic images are preferred over words to communicate a specific message... Global citizens are paying attention... middle of paper... the information we receive from them, from people around the world" We still rely heavily on the media to inform us. The close relationship between terrorists and the media plays a role in how the media portrays terrorist attacks. Although it can be argued that reporting on behalf of the terrorist and motivating his action only gives the terrorist what he wants, it is still crucial that the media report the information. The media must struggle to find a balance between covering the news and downplaying the terrorist's wants and needs. The specific way a terrorist is portrayed in the news can directly affect how the public perceives that terrorist and their actions. This research paper will examine how the media's portrayal of Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokar Tsaernev shaped the public's perception of him and, more importantly, his actions..