Payola Meaning in English
word
Definition
Payola is the illegal practice of paying money or giving gifts to radio stations or DJs to get certain songs played more often. It most often refers to corruption in the music industry.
Usage & Nuances
Used almost exclusively to talk about the music industry and radio. The term is informal and often appears in news stories, documentaries, or discussions of music business ethics. Not commonly used outside this context.
Example Sentences
Payola is illegal in the music industry.
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Some DJs lost their jobs after a payola scandal.
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They investigated the radio station for payola.
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Many hits from the 1950s were pushed with payola behind the scenes.
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Rumors of payola still haunt some radio stations today.
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Getting a song on the air used to be about connections—and sometimes a little payola.
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