Three networks, HBO, NBC and ABC, lead Emmys

LOS ANGELES, Sept 16 (Reuters) - Three networks -- cable TV's HBO and broadcasters NBC and ABC -- tied the race for the most Primetime Emmys on Sunday with six apiece, but it could be low-rated NBC and its comedy "30 Rock" that gain the most.

The Emmys are the U.S. television industry's highest honors and they can often give programs a viewership boost because the awards bring acclaim and media buzz just before the new fall TV season.

NBC's "30 Rock," which parodies the way TV programs are made, was named best comedy series on Sunday following its first year on the air in which it was hailed by critics but struggled to build an audience.

"Hopefully this will help us a little bit, and we got some exciting stars coming up this season," the show's creator and star, "Saturday Night Live" veteran Tina Fey, said backstage at the Emmys. She noted one star set to make a guest appearance was comedian and former NBC sitcom star Jerry Seinfeld.

When counting the dozens of mostly technical awards given out on Sept. 8 during the so-called Creative Arts Emmys, a prelude to the major awards presented on Sunday, HBO led the pack with a 21 trophies in all, followed by NBC with 19.

Sunday's wins for NBC also included awards for supporting actress Jaime Pressly of blue-collar comedy "My Name is Earl," writing for "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and workplace satire "The Office" and a pair of trophies for the its music special "Tony Bennett: An American Classic."

HBO, a perennial leader at the Emmys," picked up three trophies for "The Sopranos" -- best TV drama, directing and writing. That show ended its run six-season run in June.

Ricky Gervais, star of HBO's "Extras," was named best actor in a comedy, and Jeremy Piven won the Emmy for best supporting actor in a comedy for the network's "Entourage."

ABC met success with two Emmy wins for "Ugly Betty." The show's star, America Ferrera, was named best actress in a comedy and Richard Shepard won for best director.

Sally Field won the Emmy for best actress in a drama in ABC's "Brothers & Sisters," and Katherine Heigl for supporting actress in drama "Grey's Anatomy," among ABC's wins.

Among other major networks, CBS won one prime-time Emmy for best reality series, "The Amazing Race." The Fox network, which aired the telecast, was shut out of awards on Sunday night.

NBC is part of the NBC Universal media wing of of General Electric Co (GE.N). ABC is a unit of The Walt Disney Co (DIS.N). HBO is part of Time Warner Inc. (TWX.N). CBS is owned by CBS Corp (CBS.N), and Fox is part of News Corp NWSa.N