Exemplification theory (Zillmann, 1999, 2002; Zillmann & Brosius, 2000) suggests exemplar representations in media content may cause people to make overestimated judgments about observed phenomena. Other exemplification research also notes the possibility of a sleeper effect (Gibson & Zillmann, 1994). One hundred forty-seven participants viewed a news story about a terrorist attack in Iraq in one of five conditions meant to manipulate aspects of telepresence and a sleeper effect. Data were not consistent with predictions related to telepresence and sleeper effects. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.