Spin

"Spin" (a term currently used primarily in political language), in the terms I use, refers to intensifying one's own "good" and downplaying one's own "bad."

A "spin doctor" (as defined by Merriam-Webster) is "a person (as a political aide) responsible for ensuring that others interpret an event from a particular point of view."

"Spin control" or "damage control" are related terms used to describe whenever an Administration or a politician tries to conceal or downplay the "bad" -- any problems, either unintentional (mistakes, errors, incompetencies, weaknesses) or intentional (crimes, legal or ethical violations).

But, these terms can also apply to corporate image ads. Whenever a problem occurs (e.g. an oil spill, bankruptcy, corporate fraud) the "spinners" -- the hired hands in the PR Department -- are out to gloss over the problem (downplay own "bad") and to present the company in the best possible image.

Lip Service

"Lip Service" is a kind of spin in which people intensify the "good" in public, but, in private, doing the opposite. ("Talking the talk, but not walking the walk.") As the Merriam-Webster dictionary puts it: "an avowal of advocacy, adherence, or allegiance expressed in words but not backed by deeds."

For example, politicians publicly promising good things which some voters may want, but, privately, later in the legislative process, delaying, stalling, amending, leaving legal loopholes, or not fully funding these promises.

It's easier to spot political lip service because the opposing political party or the press is apt to reveal it. But, usually no specific countering forces can match the corporate lip service and PR campaigns of vested interests (e.g. energy companies, automakers, cigarette companies) which are well staffed, organized, and funded. Some watchdogs do exist (e.g. the Sierra Club on environmental issues), medical groups (about health issues), teachers and parents (on educational issues), but these groups are usually less funded and often rely upon volunteers and donations.