Rogers says talks continue with AMC towards late Thursday contract deadline

TORONTO – Negotiations are still ongoing between Rogers and AMC as the cable television provider runs against a Thursday deadline to renew a distribution contract for the U.S.-based channel, which is home to “The Walking Dead” and other popular series.

Rogers spokeswoman Patricia Trott said Thursday afternoon that the company remains in talks with AMC with the goal of reaching a deal before a deadline of 11:59 p.m.

At that point, it is possible that AMC could kill the signal for its channel, which also airs the shows “Breaking Bad” and “Mad Men.”

But Rogers has said it has no intentions of removing AMC from its cable lineup, even if they don’t reach an agreement by the deadline.

Both sides have spent much of the week in a public spat over the contract renewal.

On Wednesday, some Rogers (TSX:RCI.B) customers reported that online banner advertisements told them “You Have Lost The Walking Dead” or “Rogers Customers You May Lose The Walking Dead,” even though the channel had not disappeared from the Rogers lineup.

The banner ads were linked to a website set up by AMC which urged fans to email and call Rogers to save AMC in Canada.