The way I interpret the various articles I'm reading:
They have been talking.
They aren't currently actively talking, but that doesn't mean it's dead - that probably just means both sides are analyzing and regrouping and evaluating if the current proposals that have been offered are workable.
Now that the story has leaked, it will likely put more pressure on both sides, because both stocks are rising and shareholders will be asking questions and will want to know what might happen.
I wouldn't be surprised if the side that was most anxious to make a deal (not sure which side that is, but likely Fox) intentionally leaked the story to get more of a sense of urgency going on the other side.
From the reports, it seems like a lot of details have already been discussed, so this is beyond the crazy, "just throwin' this out there" stage and into the "can we really make this work?" stage.