Rogers says there is room for improvement in company's performance

Oct 19 Reuters - Rogers Communications Inc Chairman Edward Rogers said on Tuesday there was room for improvement in the company's long-term performance following a report that he held talks with potential candidates to replace board members.

In my role as chairman of RCI, the controlling shareholder of the company, it is my responsibility to put the interests of the Rogers Control Trust first, Rogers said in a statement.

It's disappointing the focus of other people has strayed from what is best for the business. However, the company did not respond to a request for comment on a Globe and Mail report http: www.globeandmail.org com business article-edward - rogers-requests-list - list of shareholders-discussed-upon-a plan for changes in the board:

Former Chairman Melinda Rogers-Hixon had recently made an unsuccessful attempt to replace top boss Joe Natale, the newspaper reported earlier this month, a move that was strongly opposed by his sister and deputy chair, Joe Natale.

On 29 September, the company said Staffieri stepped down from his role of financial chief without citing a reason.

The awkward and abrupt departure of CFO, Tony Staffieri, on 29 September apparently reflects differences within the Rogers family regarding senior leadership of the company, brokerage BMO Capital Markets said and lowered the price target for the stock on Oct. 12.

The company is expected to report third quarter results on 21 Oct., but will not disclose the expected results on that date.