Not to be blunt, but NetJets wants their pilots to follow the guidance provided in their FOM. Reading a newspaper to pass the time while flying isn't permissible as it's considered a distraction.
Which is sort of what Fischman was getting at.
Zoning out into infinity is more of a distraction than someone who is reading. If you are reading then your brain is obviously engaged. How many times have you driven through a stop light and had no idea if it was actually green? How many times have you driven home and you have no idea of the last 10 miles? Many guys wouldn't be able to stay awake unless they had something to do even though they are well rested. Reading during cruise is more safe than watching the altimeter bounce between 37,000 and 36,990. Though you aren't really watching it. Perception is reality for the benefit of following the FOM I guess.