Ex-NBC topper Bob Wright on Vivendi and Jay Leno

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Former NBC Universal CEO Bob Wright said he doesn’t think Vivendi, the French conglomerate that owns 20% of the media giant will look to unload that stake in a public offering.

What Vivendi will do with its chunk of NBC Universal has become everyone’s favorite guessing game, especially now that NBC Universal parent General Electric Co. is in negotiations to sell a controlling stake in its entertainment unit cable goliath Comcast Corp.

In an interview with News Corp.’s Fox Business Network, Wright said, ‘I don’t think an IPO is such an attractive proposition right in this market.’ He said he thinks Vivendi will negotiate an exit deal.

Wright did not shed much light on why he thinks GE is looking to sell. He said ‘this is a depressed time for media. NBC Universal value is lower today than three or four years ago.’ Asked why then is GE looking to deal, he responded ‘maybe they worry it won’t get much better.’

Ever the politician, Wright did not criticize he successor Jeff Zucker’s big bet on Jay Leno in prime time. Asked about the move to run the show in the 10 p.m. time slot five nights a week, Wright said, ‘it’s a decision with a long point of view ... they’ll have to wait awhile.’

-- Joe Flint

Photo: Bob Wright. Credit: NBC