Critics aren’t always in tune with the general TV watching public, who overwhelmingly prefer “According to Jim” to “Arrested Development,” much to the critics’ chagrin.

But one group that critics are generally in sync with is media buyers and planners. Though it’s easy to dismiss critics as industry elitists, they tend to favor shows that display the sort of qualities that media people think lead to survival. Media people make those judgments on a more practical level, dismissing shows that appeal to the lowest common denominator as those that will not survive and thus aren’t worth wasting clients’ money on.

That agreement between critics and media people was in strong evidence over the weekend, when the Television Critics Association wound up its annual summer press tour by recognizing an actor whom media people felt was most deserving of Emmy recognition this year, “House’s” Hugh Laurie.

The star of the Fox drama did not receive an Emmy nod, much to media people’s disappointment. A poll conducted by Media Life last month found that a large number thought Laurie deserved not just a nomination but a trophy for best actor in a drama.

Yesterday the TCA Awards recognized Laurie for outstanding achievement in drama, the group’s top acting prize, for his role as grumpy Dr. House.

The group also recognized two other media favorites that did not receive Emmy best show nominations, ABC’s “Lost” (best drama) and NBC’s “My Name is Earl” (best new show).

Carol Burnett received a lifetime achievement award while “The Office’s” Steve Carell was recognized for excellence in comedic acting. His NBC show also got best comedy.

ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” was named program of the year and PBS’s “Frontline” best in news.

NBC led all networks with four awards, including an honorary nod to “The West Wing,” which left the air after seven seasons in May.

The list of TCA winners:

Lifetime achievement award
Carol Burnett

Individual achievement in drama
Hugh Laurie, Fox’s “House”

Individual achievement in comedy
Steve Carell, NBC’s “The Office”

Program of the year
"Grey's Anatomy," ABC

Best new program
"My Name is Earl," NBC

Best achievement in drama
"Lost," ABC

Best achievement in comedy
"The Office," NBC

Best achievement in news and information
"Frontline," PBS

Best achievement in children's programming
"High School Musical," Disney Channel