payola

[ pey-oh-luh ]
/ peɪˈoʊ lə /

noun Informal.

a secret or private payment in return for the promotion of a product, service, etc., through the abuse of one's position, influence, or facilities.

Origin of payola

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40; pay1 + -ola

British Dictionary definitions for payola

payola
/ (peɪˈəʊlə) /

noun informal, mainly US

a bribe given to secure special treatment, esp to a disc jockey to promote a commercial product
the practice of paying or receiving such bribes

Word Origin for payola

C20: from pay 1 + -ola, as in Pianola