Do you think the media has anything to do with the popularity of high school and college killing sprees?

It seems to me that ever since the Columbine shooters stunned the world and made us all take notice, they've inspired copy cats that reliably pop up at least once or twice a year since. And each time it happens we give the shooters all of the fame they were hoping to achieve, even though they're never around to see any of it. Do you think the media coverage influences that in any way and could any changes be made that would make a difference?