payola

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Canadian star took action last November, alleging that the music companies had used bots, payola and other methods to promote Lamar's song, which accused him of paedophilia.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2025

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

For Holter, all the discussion about fractions of pennies, parity and payola, while crucial, is less a concern than Spotify’s power and potential consequences for musicians.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2021

It affords them more leverage in their negotiations with record companies, and potentially could let them profit on giving certain songs a boost, without much transparency, like a new digital payola.

From Slate • Dec. 25, 2017