payola

American  

[pey-oh-luh] / peɪˈoʊ lə /

noun

Informal.

1. a secret or private payment in return for the promotion of a product, service, etc., through the abuse of one's position, influence, or facilities.

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payola British  

/ peɪˈəʊlə /

noun

1. a bribe given to secure special treatment, esp to a disc jockey to promote a commercial product

2. the practice of paying or receiving such bribes

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Etymology

Origin of payola

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40; pay ¹ + -ola

Example Sentences

In papers filed in New York, Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, accused the companies of engaging in an illegal ”scheme” involving bots, payola and other methods to promote Lamar’s song.

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2024

There remain battles to be fought, whisper campaigns to be hatched, payola scandals to be investigated.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 19, 2024

Mr. Rupe cited payola — bribery of disc jockeys — as a reason that he gradually lost interest in the music business.

From Washington Post • Apr. 15, 2022

“What we saw happening was a modern form of payola, where cable companies and building owners were colluding to keep out competition,” said San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 16, 2021

Ann brought up an important point about the center of payola gravity shifting from the radio to playlists.

From Slate • Dec. 28, 2017