This paper deals with the relationship between terrorism and the media, or more precisely, with the thesis supported by a group of authors that there is a symbiotic relationship between contemporary terrorism and mass media. Conceptual determination of contemporary terrorism is given in the first chapter, with the overview of the most common definition of terrorism in the literature, classifications, short history and characteristics of modern terrorism. This is followed by the section dedicated to defining the mass media concept, mass communication elements and characteristics, and classification and characteristics of the Western media. The third part presents a short overview of relationship development between terrorism and media, along with the characteristics of media coverage of terrorism and terrorist communications strategy. Related to this is the definition of symbiotic relationship that follows, with a review of the authors’ standpoints on the topic. In the fifth chapter on the example of the Paris attacks on November 13th, 2015 elements of strike that may have a symbolic significance as a confirmation of the thesis of the symbiotic relationship are stressed, with the brief content analysis of the European daily newspapers' front pages dedicated to the event. As a conclusion, proposals how to change the media role, which can become active and significant players and contributors in combating terrorism is given.