'Mad Men' to return in 2012

LOS ANGELES, March 29 (UPI) -- AMC said Tuesday it renewed its U.S. drama series "Mad Men" even though it has not locked in creator-executive producer Matt Weiner for a fifth season.

"AMC has officially authorized production of Season 5 of 'Mad Men,' triggering our option with Lionsgate. While we are getting a later start than in years past due to ongoing, key non-cast negotiations, 'Mad Men' will be back for a fifth season in early 2012," the cable network said in a statement Tuesday.

Deadline.com said AMC and Weiner have been engaged in lengthy negotiations for his return next season.

Weiner has taken issue with the network's proposals to integrate product placement into the series, cut 2 minutes from each episode's running time to make room for more commercials, and eliminate or reduce the size of the roles of two regular cast members to cut costs, Deadline.com reported.