Educators are aware from their own experience, as part of the audience if not a lecturer, that being talked at for 50 minutes is not the most captivating form of communication. A change of dynamic, preferably involving an element of topicality, can make a significant contribution to engagement. This article discusses how teachers can use short excerpts of television programmes and news to add sparkle to a lecture. The author describes several ways to know about programme transmission times and licensing arrangements.