Jeff Zucker, the former CEO of NBC Universal, is homing in on a deal to head CNN, according to the Los Angeles Times. Zucker is in "advanced negotiations" to replace Jim Walton, who announced earlier this year that he is vacating his position as president of CNN Worldwide at the end of the year, The Times reports.
Zucker, who left NBC Universal in January 2011, after NBCU's merger with Comcast, was recommended as a candidate to run Yahoo earlier this year.
Also read: CNN Chief Jim Walton Leaving: 'We Need New Thinking'
While Zucker may be in advanced negotiations for the CNN gig, he isn't a shoo-in. Former ESPN executive Mark Shapiro, who recently departed his position as president of Dick Clark Productions, is also said to be in the running, though he's believed to be a long shot because he lacks hard news experience.
Zucker currently produces Katie Couric's daytime talk show, "Katie."
Also read: Jeff Zucker Goodbye Memo: "With Comcast, I Leave You in Good Hands"
A source told the Times that Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes and Turner Broadcasting chairman Phil Kent hope to make a final decision late this week or early next week.
A CNN spokeswoman had no comment for TheWrap on Zucker's reported negotiations.