Payola: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ถ
payola
[ peษชหoสlษ ]
music industry
Payola refers to the illegal practice of paying broadcasters or DJs to promote specific songs on the radio. This unethical practice undermines the integrity of the music industry and can lead to a distorted understanding of what songs are genuinely popular. Although payola has been a controversial topic for decades, it remains a significant point of contention in discussions surrounding music promotion and advertising. The term originated in the mid-20th century and highlights issues of transparency and honesty in the music business.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The DJ was accused of payola after several of his playlists featured artists signed to labels that paid him.
- Investigations in the 1950s revealed widespread payola practices among radio stations.
- Legislation was introduced to curb the influence of payola in the music industry.
Translations
Translations of the word "payola" in other languages:
๐ต๐น payola
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเฅเคฏเฅเคฒเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Payola
๐ฎ๐ฉ payola
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟะตะนะพะปะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ payola
๐ฏ๐ต ใใคใชใฉ
๐ซ๐ท payola
๐ช๐ธ payola
๐น๐ท payola
๐ฐ๐ท ํ์ด์ฌ๋ผ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุจุงูููุง
๐จ๐ฟ payola
๐ธ๐ฐ payola
๐จ๐ณ ่ดฟ่ต
๐ธ๐ฎ payola
๐ฎ๐ธ payola
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฟะตะนะพะปะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ payola
๐ฒ๐ฝ payola
Etymology
The term 'payola' emerged in the early 1930s, derived from the combination of 'pay' and the Spanish word 'ola,' meaning wave. Initially, it was used to describe the practice of bribing radio DJs or music executives to play specific songs, thereby creating a false impression of popularity. The practice came to widespread attention in the 1950s, leading to various legal challenges and public outcry. In response, the United States Congress held hearings on payola, resulting in tighter regulations to combat the issue. The controversy surrounding payola has evolved with the music industry's shifting landscape, including the rise of digital streaming and online promotions. Despite these changes, the core ethical questions of transparency and fairness in music promotion remain relevant.