Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

payola

noun

/peɪˈoʊlə/

Definition

Payola refers to the illegal practice of paying broadcasters or other influential figures to promote or feature a specific song or product without disclosing that payment.

Examples

Many artists have accused record labels of engaging in payola to get their songs played on the radio.
The federal investigation uncovered a payola scheme involving several well-known DJs.
Payola can distort fair competition in the music industry.