What does payola mean?
Payola is a concealed payment intended to influence someone’s editorial, commercial, or institutional decisions. It became especially prominent in discussions of American broadcasting, where advertisers and other interested parties allegedly offered money or valuable benefits to broadcasters in exchange for favourable treatment. The word carries a strongly negative connotation because it implies secrecy, a conflict of interest, and improper influence. Although originally associated with media practice, payola is now used more broadly for covert financial inducements in politics, business, and other spheres. Unlike an openly negotiated payment, payola is hidden from the relevant audience or decision-maker, often as part of an arrangement that would be considered improper if disclosed. The term is chiefly North American in its traditional usage, though it is now understood throughout the English-speaking world.
nounA secret or concealed payment intended to influence an editorial, commercial, or other decision. The term is most closely associated with undisclosed payments made to broadcasters, but it can also refer to any covert financial inducement.
- A secret or undisclosed payment made to a broadcaster or other media representative in order to influence editorial or commercial decisions.
- More broadly, any concealed payment or financial inducement intended to influence a decision, especially in politics, business, or public life.
"The broadcaster denied accepting payola to favour one of the companies bidding for the advertising contract."
"Investigators alleged that the official had received payola in exchange for awarding the contract."
"The newspaper described the offer as commercial payola designed to influence its coverage."
Plural forms are used when referring to separate cases, payments, or scandals involving concealed inducements.
"Several payolas were disclosed during the investigation."
The word “payola” grew out of scandals over hidden payments to American broadcasters, turning an ordinary payment into a byword for covert influence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does payola come from?
Payola emerged in American English during the mid-20th century in connection with commercial bribery in broadcasting. Its formation has been associated with pay and a diminutive-style suffix, though the precise process behind the coinage is less certain than its original association with hidden payments. The term later broadened beyond broadcasting to describe covert inducements intended to influence other decisions.
Related word forms
How payola is actually used
Historically, the word is associated particularly with American radio and television broadcasting. In contemporary general use, it can apply to covert inducements in any field, and its tone is strongly critical.
Easily confused with payola
A payout is a payment made to someone, whereas payola specifically implies a concealed or improper payment intended to secure a favourable decision.