Latest news with #PCCC
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘Save Colbert' rally in New York City touts petition signed by 250,000 people
Several dozen people on Wednesday took to the streets outside the Manhattan studio of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to call for CBS and its parent company, Paramount, to reverse the cancellation of the popular show. During the rally, which began at the historic Ed Sullivan Theater and wound its way to the Paramount headquarters in Times Square, demonstrators delivered 10 boxes filled with 'Save Colbert' petitions to the company. In recent days, more than 250,000 people have signed. Among the supporters are multiple Democratic lawmakers including California's Ro Khanna and Ted Lieu, as well as The Daily Show's Aasif Mandvi, comedian Kristen Schaal, Veep executive producer David Mandel and actor Frances Fisher. The petition, led by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, condemned Paramount's decision as 'blatantly political', adding: 'America needs Stephen Colbert's voice now more than ever. Save the Late Show.' PCCC's co-founder, Adam Green, said: 'This is so much bigger than one TV show or even one network. This is about the distressing trend of people in institutions pre-emptively caving and complying to a White House that has shown it will abuse power.' 'If dissenting voices like Stephen Colbert's can be silenced, in addition to universities losing their leadership and law firms being co-opted, that is yet another step down the road to tyranny and authoritarianism,' Green added. The widespread outrage in recent days follows Paramount's sudden decision to cancel the show, which came after Paramount settled what the Writers Guild of America condemned as a 'baseless lawsuit' brought against 60 Minutes and CBS News by Donald Trump for $16m. Trump had claimed that CBS News misleadingly edited an interview with Kamala Harris last fall during the presidential campaign. Following Paramount's settlement, Colbert – who has long been a critic of Trump on his show – called Paramount's settlement a 'big, fat bribe' on air last week. 'As someone who has always been a proud employee of this network, I am offended … I don't know if anything – anything – will repair my trust in this company. But, just taking a stab at it, I'd say $16m would help,' Colbert said. CBS executives said that the decision to cancel the show was 'purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night', adding that it was 'not related in any way to the show's performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount'. The public remains unconvinced. Outside the Ed Sullivan Theater on Wednesday afternoon, dozens of protesters including New York lawmakers and former Paramount subscribers gathered in opposition. Many carried signs in protest against CBS and Paramount, with some saying: 'Dump Trump. Keep Colbert', 'This is Complete Bull Shit' and 'Don't Bow to the Orange King'. Addressing the crowd, Susan Staal, a longtime viewer of the show, said: 'This country needs dissenting voices. This country has comedians, secondary to journalists, who are now being infringed on free speech, the bedrock of this democracy … We know how bogus and sinister this decision actually was.' Echoing similar sentiments, Heather Cousins, a former Paramount subscriber, called the show's cancellation a 'blatant act of bribery and against our constitutional rights of free speech', adding: 'Paramount and CBS are destroying culture and history in New York City. The Late Show is a representation of hope in a time where our country has very little.' Saima Akhter, a former Meta employee who said she was fired by the company last year over her anti-war activism on Palestine, also addressed the crowd, warning of growing attempts at censorship. 'We have a serious problem in this country of censorship of information, the silencing of people who speak out against fascist rules imposed by this government and the oligarchy, and the dangerous ties between fascist Trump, bought-out politicians and … corrupt corporations,' Akhter said. She went on: 'The control of narrative is the most powerful thing someone can possess … and at a time where things feel so crazy, we need voices like Colbert to be a voice of reason, to say it like it is.' Democratic lawmakers Tony Simone, a New York state assembly member, and New York City council member Erick Bottcher joined the protesters. 'I want to tell the institutions in our nation, from higher ed to the media to CBS: stop kissing Trump's ass … This [show] is a New York institution, an American institution,' Simone said, adding: 'We must save Colbert, we must have him back on air … When you come for one American, you come for all of us.' Similarly, Bottcher said: 'We are not just standing in front of a theater. We are standing up for truth, for free press, for democracy, for free speech. The cancellation … isn't just a bad programming decision, it is a political decision.' Bottcher continued: 'This is about fear and pre-compliance infecting our institutions from the newsroom to the boardroom … According to CBS, it was a financial decision. We're not stupid … We see what's happening. We will not let a powerful media company silence a truth-teller to appease fascists.' Following the speeches, protesters wound through the streets of Midtown Manhattan, chanting 'Save Colbert' and 'Fight back!' Accompanying them was a drummer wearing a hat that said: 'Make Orwell fiction again', a nod to the Nineteen Eighty-Four author, as well as a tuba player. Upon arriving outside the Paramount headquarters, the protestors were met with several security guards, as well as two New York police officers standing, who prevented them from entering the building. As protesters put the boxes of petitions outside the building entrance, one woman held up a sign. 'Only a butterfly should be a monarch,' it read.
India Today
5 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Over 200,000 sign petition to save Stephen Colbert's show ahead of NYC rally
More than 200,000 people have signed an online petition urging CBS to reverse its decision to cancel 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert'. Fans and fellow comedians flagged concerns about press freedom and corporate petition, started by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC), accuses CBS and its parent company, Paramount Global, of giving in to political pressure from US President Donald Trump. The campaign has gained wide support ahead of a planned rally in New York to support OVER COLBERT'S CANCELLATIONColbert, who often criticised Trump and his administration, was recently told his show would end in May 2026. CBS claims the cancellation is for "purely financial" reasons. But fans are not buying it. "CBS's decision to cancel Stephen Colbert's show looks blatantly political," the petition reads. It also includes a powerful quote from comedian Jon Stewart: "The cancelling of Colbert by CBS represents the fear and pre-compliance that is gripping all of America's institutions at this very moment, institutions that have chosen not to fight the vengeful and vindictive actions of the Trump White House. This is not the moment to give in."Sydney Register, a spokesperson for the PCCC, told The Guardian, "If CBS cares about their integrity, our democracy, and protecting free speech, they must heed our petition, reverse their decision, and keep Stephen Colbert on the air."The group also noted that tens of thousands of Paramount Plus subscribers checked a box on the petition saying they would cancel their subscriptions if Colbert is taken off ACCUSES PARAMOUNT OF BRIBING TRUMPThe controversy deepened after reports that Paramount Global agreed to pay $16 million to Trump's foundation to settle a lawsuit over a past 60 Minutes interview with then-Vice President Kamala his show, Colbert called out Paramount, saying they had paid Trump "a big fat bribe."Adding to the tension, Paramount is in the middle of trying to finalise a multi-billion-dollar merger with entertainment company Skydance. The deal would need approval from Trump's Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Many believe the decision to cancel Colbert may be linked to trying to avoid any conflict with the Trump has promised that "unbiased journalism" would continue if the merger goes the backlash continues to grow. Late-night hosts like Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, and Jon Stewart were present at Colbert's show. A recent Late Show episode featured a sketch mocking Trump, Paramount, and the situation, including an animated Trump hugging the Paramount logo — a spoof of a recent viral tech video.- EndsWith inputs from Agencies
Business Recorder
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Weekly Cotton Review: Trade volumes improve in largely stable market
KARACHI: The cotton market has shown overall stability in prices, with an improvement in trade volume recorded. However, recent rains in Punjab have disrupted cotton trade. Meanwhile, the market awaits the government's notification regarding the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS). Experts report that Pakistan's cotton production has sharply declined due to unfavorable weather conditions and government policies, dropping from a record 15 million bales to just 5.5 million bales. Chairman Pakistan Cotton Ginners Forum Forum Ahsan ul Haq expressed concern over the situation, stating that this decline is severely impacting the country's foreign exchange reserves. Amid these developments, the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee Cotton Committee (PCCC) and the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) have reached an agreement on the issue of cotton crop residues. Additionally, the Punjab government has set an ambitious target for cotton production this season, aiming to produce 6 million bales. The local cotton market remained relatively stable over the past week, with prices showing slight variations across regions. In Sindh, cotton prices ranged between Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 16,400 per maund, while cottonseed (phutti) prices rose to Rs. 6,800–7,200 per 40 kg. In Punjab, cotton prices increased to Rs. 16,700–17,200 per maund, with phutti priced at Rs. 6,800–7,600 per 40 kg. Recent rainfall has provided some benefit to the crop, but further downpours could cause damage if water logging occurs. Currently, cotton trade in Punjab has been disrupted due to ongoing rains. Farmers are facing distress as declining phutti prices squeeze their margins, with many expressing concerns over high input costs and reduced profitability. Despite these challenges, trading volume improved during the week. The government has withdrawn the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) facility for cotton yarn and fabric imports while imposing a 10–18% sales tax on these items. This move aims to create a level playing field for local cotton producers. However, the official notification is still awaited. In a strongly worded statement, Muhammad Khalid Khokhar, Chairman Kissan Ittehad expressed grave concerns over the dire conditions faced by cotton and wheat growers. He warned, 'Wheat and cotton will no longer be cultivated in Pakistan,' highlighting the severe challenges plaguing the agricultural sector. Khokhar lamented that the new pricing policies have left farmers' households in mourning, with many struggling to survive. Meanwhile, an agreement has been signed between PCCC and APTMA regarding outstanding cotton payments. In a significant development, APTMA and PCCC have joined hands to revive the cotton industry, aiming to stabilize the sector and support distressed farmers. The collaboration seeks to address long-standing issues and ensure sustainable growth in cotton production. The rate of cotton in Sindh is in between Rs 16,000 to Rs 16,400 per maund, while phutti was traded at Rs 6,200 to Rs 7,200 per 40 kg. In Punjab, cotton prices stood at Rs 16,700 to Rs 17,200 per maund, with phutti priced between Rs 6,800 and Rs 7,600 per 40 kg. Meanwhile, rate of cotton in Balochistan is in between Rs 16,100 to Rs 16,300 per maund, while phutti was sold for Rs 7,000 to Rs 7,200 per 40 kg. The Spot Rate Committee of the Karachi Cotton Association maintained the spot rate at Rs 16,300 per maund. Karachi Cotton Brokers Forum Chairman Naseem Usman told that there is a decline in international cotton prices. In New York, the futures price of cotton is currently trading between 66 to 68 cents per pound. According to the USDA's weekly export and sales report, 75,100 bales were sold for the 2024-25 season. Vietnam led the purchases with 33,600 bales, followed by Pakistan with 13,000 bales, and India with 9,700 bales. For the 2025-26 season, 81,500 bales were sold. Bangladesh emerged as the top buyer with 23,100 bales, while Vietnam secured the second position with 19,900 bales. South Korea ranked third with purchases of 16,300 bales. The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR), and Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC) have officially joined hands in a landmark agreement to resolve the long-standing cotton cess collection issue and lay the foundation for the revival of Pakistan's vital cotton sector. The signing ceremony was held at the MNFSR headquarters in Islamabad and witnessed by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Secretary MNFSR Waseem Ajmal Chaudhary, Chairman APTMA Kamran Arshad, Chairman APTMA North Asad Shafi, Secretary General APTMA Shahid Sattar, APTMA Cotton Advisor Dr Javed Hassan, Cotton Commissioner & CEO PCCC Dr Khadim Hussain, and Secretary PCCC Dr Peer Adrees. Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain lauded APTMA's constructive role in resolving this critical issue, emphasizing that cotton remains the lifeblood of Pakistan's textile industry and recognizing APTMA as its foremost stakeholder. The Minister expressed his full support for APTMA's vision, committing to place APTMA in the driving seat to lead the reform and revival of the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee. He also welcomed further engagement and collaboration, including a forthcoming visit to APTMA House Lahore. Chairman APTMA, Kamran Arshad, thanked the Minister for his proactive and collaborative approach, particularly in facilitating key policy measures such as easing cotton seed imports and addressing other issues in the cotton seed sector. Highlighting the severe cotton shortages in recent years that have adversely impacted the entire textile value chain, and the livelihoods of millions of cotton growers, he stressed that Pakistan has been compelled to import billions of dollars' worth of cotton from global suppliers including the US, Brazil, and Australia. Arshad reaffirmed APTMA's dedication to overcoming these challenges and hailed the agreement as a historic milestone that fulfills APTMA's promise to resolve the cess deadlock. Secretary PCCC Dr Peer Adrees noted the positive impact of APTMA's support, which has enabled PCCC to pay full salaries and pensions to its staff in recent months. Chairman APTMA North, Asad Shafi, echoed the critical importance of cotton to Pakistan's textile sector and emphasized APTMA's ongoing efforts to enhance value addition through promoting use of local cotton and inputs, development of domestic brands and internationally competitive products. Looking ahead, Kamran Arshad urged swift implementation of the PCCC restructuring to transform it into a modern, productive research institution that will spearhead innovation and productivity gains in cotton cultivation. He also called for an all-stakeholders conference, including farmers, ginners, and industry representatives, to collaboratively chart a sustainable path for Pakistan's cotton revival. APTMA remains steadfast in its commitment to support the resurgence of Pakistan's cotton crop, enabling the country to reclaim its position as a top global cotton producer. This revival is critical not only for safeguarding millions of jobs across the textile value chain but also for boosting textile exports and expanding domestic value addition— key drivers for Pakistan's economic growth and competitiveness in international markets. Despite a significant decline in Pakistan's cotton production, some stakeholders are once again recommending the cultivation of hybrid cotton, even though previous trials conducted twice ended in complete failure. Reports indicate that around 150 acres of hybrid cotton have already been planted in Punjab and Sindh shortly after the federal government allowed the import of cotton seeds. Surprisingly, the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC), which must legally be consulted before any such cultivation, remains entirely unaware of these trials. Ehsan-ul-Haq, Chairman of the Cotton Ginners Forum, highlighted that Pakistan's cotton production has plummeted from a record 15 million bales to just 5.5 million bales due to extreme weather conditions, unfavorable government policies, and the unchecked expansion of sugarcane cultivation in cotton zones. He noted that instead of enforcing crop zoning laws, reducing agricultural input costs, and cutting the record 86% sales tax on the cotton ginning industry, authorities are focusing on importing hybrid cotton seeds under pressure from certain stakeholders. Haq recalled that in 2010, two global seed giants, Monsanto and Syngenta, conducted hybrid cotton trials in Pakistan in consultation with the PCCC, which failed completely, yielding 60% less per acre compared to traditional Pakistani varieties. Despite this, efforts are now being made to reintroduce hybrid cotton cultivation without proper evaluation or consultation with the PCCC, raising serious concerns about its potential impact on the already struggling cotton sector. The heads of Pakistan's two major agricultural institutions informed the Cotton Ginners Forum that despite multiple trials of hybrid cotton cultivation in various cities of Punjab and Sindh after 2010, all attempts failed completely. The primary reason was the incompatibility of these seeds with the local climatic conditions. They further revealed that over the past four to five years, experiments have been conducted in Pakistan with single-gene, double-gene, and triple-gene cotton seeds. Surprisingly, while double-gene varieties were expected to yield double the production of single-gene cotton and triple-gene varieties even more, the actual output of both remained lower than that of single-gene cotton. This has raised concerns that hybrid cotton cultivation in Pakistan does not appear to be succeeding, as most cotton-growing zones in the country are experiencing significantly higher temperatures compared to 2010. The officials added that they repeatedly contacted the company promoting hybrid cotton cultivation, asking them to share their trial data. However, they have yet to be granted access to this information. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chuck Schumer facing 'uphill fight' amid leadership doubts: 'Matter of when, not if'
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is facing calls for his replacement after his controversial decision to help advance President Donald Trump's recent stopgap spending bill to avoid a government shutdown, but not all Democrats are prepared to push him out just yet, giving him some time to prove himself. For some in the party, Schumer is ruling on borrowed time. "Something's [got to] give," former Democrat pollster Adam Carlson told Fox News Digital. "And while I would expect him to want to hold onto his leadership, I suspect the outright calls and whispers from his colleagues for him to be replaced as minority leader are real." "It's a matter of when, not if," he claimed. Battle Of The Chambers: House And Senate Tensions Boil Over As Trump Budget Hangs In Limbo The influence he has lost among his own caucus is evident "by dozens of Senate Dems, including those in Trump-won states, coming out against the CR (continuing resolution) even after Schumer came out in favor of it," Carlson said. Read On The Fox News App After Schumer's vote this month, and the verbal shellacking and protests that followed, he told NBC News' "Meet the Press" on Sunday, "Look, I'm not stepping down." Following his vote, protests emerged outside his home and offices in Washington and New York, and he began to face calls for his ousting as leader and threats of primary challenges down the road. "You know, sometimes when you're a leader, you have to do things to avoid a real danger that might come down the curve," Schumer further told "Meet the Press." The Democrat also pushed back on suggestions that his situation has parallels with that of former President Joe Biden, who was pressured to end his presidential campaign with just months until the election last year. Biden Admin's 'Vast Censorship Enterprise' With Help Of Ngos Slated For Key Hearing, Lawmaker Says But for the Democrat strategists looking at his circumstances, the similarities are clear. Co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC) Adam Green told Fox News Digital, "I don't think his recent caving was a June debate moment for Chuck Schumer, but it was a fall-off-the-bike moment," making explicit comparisons to Biden's biking accident and his disastrous presidential debate performance that preceded his campaign suspension. "And if he continues to stumble … instead of meeting this moment, there will be continued questions about his future leadership," he said. "I think it's an uphill fight for him," Green explained. The PCCC leader compared Schumer to Biden once more, noting that the former president also had a prime and "eventually that prime was over." Carlson said "Schumer was an effective majority leader" for many years, "but being an opposition leader is an entirely different skill set" and could be one that the Democrat leader doesn't have. Some Democrat strategists speculated about potential replacements for the Senate minority leader if it comes to that, proposing Sens. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., specifically. "Chris Murphy has been turning a lot of heads," Green said. Congress Expanded The Executive – Only For Trump To Quash Much Of The Administrative State Representatives for Murphy, Schatz and Klobuchar did not provide comment in time for publication. Other Democrat strategists don't think Schumer should be replaced and are confident he won't be. Schumer "will survive this," Democrat strategist Max Burns told Fox News Digital. He credited Trump's "habit of flooding the zone" with Schumer's ability to hang on. Jim Kessler, former senior aide to Schumer and executive vice president for policy at Third Way, told Fox News Digital he expects him "to remain as the Democratic leader in the Senate." "Yes, there is a vocal group of House Democrats and activists calling for him to step aside as leader," he said. But, "There is almost no one in the Senate doing so and most Democrats in Washington are simply keeping their heads down." "I talked to one House Democrat who said he was livid for 24 hours and then thankful after he thought about it for a few days," Kessler said. Gop Senator Says He's Working With Trump On Bill To Abolish Education Department Jim Manley, former senior communications advisor and spokesperson for former Democrat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and the Senate Democratic Caucus, agreed that Schumer does not need to step down. "There is plenty of blame to go around" that isn't confined to Schumer, Manley said. Another Democrat strategist, who opted to remain anonymous, said "we're in this position where no one has stepped up to be sort of the primary protagonist to Trump as the antagonist," pointing to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., as someone who skillfully played this role in his first administration. The strategist further hammered Democrats for being too quick to dispose of leaders and party members who make mistakes or disagree, labeling the calls for Schumer to step down "premature." Schumer's office did not provide comment to Fox News Digital in time for article source: Chuck Schumer facing 'uphill fight' amid leadership doubts: 'Matter of when, not if'
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Progressive leader says Schumer faces 'uphill' climb to win back Democrats' trust
The co-founder of a leading progressive group says Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer faces a difficult challenge in winning back the trust of Democrats following his controversial support last week of a Republican-crafted federal government funding bill that averted a government shutdown. The move by Schumer, the longtime lawmaker from New York and top Democrat in the Senate, infuriated many, not only on the left but across the party, who want Democrat leaders to take a tougher stand in resisting President Donald Trump's agenda. "Can he win back the trust of those who don't have faith in Democratic leadership?" asked Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC), a major grassroots organization that promotes economic populism and democracy through electoral and issue advocacy efforts. Facing Pressure From His Own Party, Schumer Defends Himself Green, in a Fox News Digital interview, answered his own question, saying, "The answer is yes, but it's uphill." Schumer initially signaled last week that Senate Democrats would fight back against the GOP's partisan funding bill. But one day later, he said he would reluctantly support the measure and help deliver to the GOP the Democrat votes needed to boost the bill to passage through the Senate. Read On The Fox News App Democrats Lash Out At Schumer For 'Betrayal' Of Siding With Trump In an interview Tuesday on ABC News' "The View," Schumer said he "knew it was a difficult choice" but added that "I felt I had to do it." And he argued that a partial government shutdown would have allowed Trump to inflict "devastation like we've never seen." Despite the intense backlash from his own party, Schumer said in a "CBS Mornings" interview that he's still the "best leader for the Senate." "We have a lot of good people," Schumer said. "But I am the best at winning Senate seats." But hours later, Rep. Glenn Ivey, who represents a solidly-blue district in Maryland, became the first Democrat in Congress to call on Schumer to step down from his longheld leadership position. And in comments on Tuesday, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the 2024 Democratic Party vice presidential nominee, were critical of Schumer. Green said many in the PCCC membership, which the group says stands at roughly 1 million people, are far from happy with Schumer. The PCCC is asking in a questionnaire to its membership, "Do you have confidence in Chuck Schumer as Senate Democratic Leader? According to PCCC, with nearly 22,000 responses by Tuesday afternoon, 84% said "no." Democratic Party's Favorable Ratings Drop To Record Low Green, pointing to national polls from NBC News and CNN that were released this past weekend, which indicated Democratic Party favorability sinking to record lows, highlighted "that there's not a lot of faith in those who call themselves Democratic leaders right now. And therefore, we need a lot more of going on offense." Indivisible, another major pro-Democrat organizing group that has long been a leader in the Trump resistance, on Saturday called for Schumer to step down as leader. While the PCCC hasn't gone that far, Green charged that "those who call themselves Democratic leaders are not in a position to come out from behind a curtain and vouch for a strategy, especially when that strategy is caving. They just don't have the credibility." Green argued that "I think that was one of the things that Chuck Schumer got really wrong and that he probably would admit that he got wrong, which is a lot of senators and a lot of groups that he considers allies were taken by surprise and felt a certain whiplash." PCCC was one of the groups that organized protests at three stops this week on Schumer's planned book tour. The events were abruptly postponed on Monday morning due to "security concerns." Asked about his group's effort, Green said "this is a time to channel public anger, not hide from it."Original article source: Progressive leader says Schumer faces 'uphill' climb to win back Democrats' trust
