The New York Post's Tom Arango says that NBC Universal heir apparent Jeff Zucker could see his dream job handed to former Viacom CEO Tom Freston. But we like to think that Tom is off somewhere in Asia enjoying some overdue R&R with wife Kathy. We just don't see Tom Freston at NBC Universal.

Jeff Immelt wants to see other people - including a casual encounter with Tom Freston - before he makes a commitment to Jeff Zucker

One source close to the company insisted Zucker was still the likely successor - as GE execs have said publicly - and described the search as a necessary step to convince Wall Street and GE's board that a wide range of candidates were vetted.

Immelt, in a statement given to The Post, said, "I have confidence in the leadership team at NBC Universal. I'm a fan of Jeff Zucker's. There is no search."

[NYP]