Comcast's Roberts optimistic about NBC Universal

Despite overwhelming and apparently mostly negative comments to the FCC about Comcast's proposed acquisition of NBC Universal from General Electric, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts thinks the deal's a 'go' and will be completed by the end of the year.

Roberts, who spent most of his time crowing about Comcast's great results during the company's first quarter earnings call, did offer some sketchy details on where the deal stands, including that the partners are already planning how they'll work as one when permitted.

Roberts' optimism was reflected, not surprisingly by GE chief financial officer Keith Sherin who told his shareholders that it's "the right deal at the right time" because it will let GE focus on industrial and manufacturing businesses and get out of the media and entertainment business.

For more:
- see this story

Related articles:
FCC stops clock on NBCU-Comcast merger; adds more time for comment
Small cable continues fight to throttle Comcast-NBC merger