Echoing rumors from back in May, the Associated Press is reporting that NBC Universal is in talks to buy Microsoft's stake in MSNBC.com, the online news publication founded by the two companies over 16 years ago. While the terms of the buyout were not revealed, NBC representatives confirmed that "talks are taking place." MSNBC was founded in 1996 as a joint venture between NBC and Microsoft, though online and broadcast television operations were established as two separate companies from the onset. In 2005, NBC struck a similar deal with Microsoft to acquire a majority ownership of the MSNBC television channel, allowing it to more closely integrate with its other broadcasting efforts. It's unclear whether the potential MSNBC.com buyout will completely sever ties with Microsoft or if it will retain a stake in the company.