ACM Co-Owner Antony Catalano Takes Leave and Enters Rehab Amid Assault Allegations
Antony Catalano, the co-owner of Australian Community Media (ACM), has initiated a six-month leave of absence and checked himself into a rehabilitation centre. This decision follows his recent arrest and subsequent charges related to the alleged assault of a woman, an incident that has sent shockwaves through the media group.
Company Distances Itself from Catalano
In response to the charges, ACM's board and executive leadership team have publicly distanced themselves from the 59-year-old newspaper mogul. They expressed being "shocked and deeply concerned" about the allegations, emphasising that violence against women is entirely contrary to the company's core values and those of its mastheads.
The company, which publishes prominent daily newspapers such as the Canberra Times, the Illawarra Mercury, and the Bendigo Advertiser, along with 55 non-daily publications and agricultural brands like the Land, was acquired by Catalano and investor Alex Waislitz in 2019 for $115 million.
Details of the Alleged Assault
According to reports from the ABC, police allegations presented in court describe a harrowing incident. It is claimed that Catalano dragged the woman through her apartment by the hair and ankles, resulting in her hospitalisation with a fractured coccyx. Furthermore, police stated that he allegedly grabbed a clothes iron in the laundry area and held it towards her head, causing her to grab onto it herself in self-defence.
Internal Response and Staff Support
ACM has scheduled a staff town hall meeting via Zoom to update employees on the company's position regarding Catalano. The executive chairman was placed on leave immediately after being charged and granted bail on Friday night. ACM clarified that his role is not operational, assuring stakeholders that a capable management team is committed to maintaining business continuity and upholding standards of safety, respect, integrity, and inclusion.
The company acknowledged Catalano's statement about his mental health and substance abuse struggles but reiterated that its "first priority is the wellbeing of its people." ACM pledged to support all employees during this distressing time, ensuring the business continues to serve audiences and customers across Australia.
Catalano's Personal Statement
Catalano issued a personal statement expressing deep shame and humiliation over the charges. He acknowledged the hurt caused to the woman involved, his family, friends, colleagues, and business associates. Catalano revealed he has been grappling with significant mental health and substance abuse issues, noting that interventions by close family and friends had urged him to seek professional help prior to this incident.
Background and Career
Antony Catalano, a former property journalist, is known for transforming Fairfax's Domain property pages into a highly profitable venture. After leaving to build his own successful property magazine, he returned to Fairfax to guide Domain through a $2.3 billion float. His acquisition of ACM marked a significant move in the Australian media landscape, but these recent events have cast a shadow over his professional legacy.
As the legal process unfolds, ACM remains focused on supporting its staff and maintaining its trusted voice in communities, while Catalano seeks rehabilitation during his leave.
