Australian Community Media (ACM) is set to hold a critical staff meeting on Monday afternoon to address the arrest of its part-owner, Antony Catalano, who faces serious charges of assaulting a woman. The meeting, scheduled for 3 PM via Zoom, is expected to provide an update on ACM’s stance regarding the troubling allegations against Catalano.
On Sunday, ACM’s board and executive leadership expressed their shock and deep concern over the charges filed against the 59-year-old media mogul. According to a report by the ABC, police allegations presented in court detail a disturbing incident where Catalano allegedly dragged a woman through her apartment by her hair and ankles, leading to her hospitalization for a fractured coccyx.
“The accused dragged the victim to the laundry area where he grabbed a clothes iron and held it towards the victim’s head, causing the victim to grab on to the iron herself,” police told the court, according to the ABC.
ACM’s Official Response
ACM, which operates 16 daily newspapers including the Canberra Times and the Illawarra Mercury, along with 55 non-dailies and agricultural brands such as the Land, was acquired in 2019 by Catalano and investor Alex Waislitz. In a statement released on Sunday, ACM emphasized its commitment to its core values, stating, “While these are allegations that will be determined by the court, violence against women is entirely against the values of our company and our mastheads.”
The company confirmed that Catalano has been placed on a leave of absence following the charges and subsequent bail. “As executive chair his role is not operational,” the statement clarified, adding that ACM’s management team remains committed to maintaining business continuity and upholding the company’s standards of safety, respect, integrity, and inclusion.
Impact on ACM and Its Community
ACM’s mastheads have long been regarded as trusted voices within their communities, and the organization is keen to assure its audience that this trust will not waver. “ACM’s mastheads have a long and proud history of upholding the values of the audiences they represent. They are a trusted voice in keeping our communities strong, informed, and connected. That will not change,” the company stated.
Meanwhile, Catalano has publicly acknowledged the charges and his court appearance, expressing deep remorse. “I am deeply ashamed and humiliated,” he said in a statement. “I know that my actions have caused hurt and concern for others, including the woman involved, my family, friends, colleagues, and the many people connected to the businesses I have been privileged to lead.”
“I have been struggling with significant mental health and substance abuse issues. Those close to me have been urging me to seek professional help for some time and there have been interventions by close family and friends,” Catalano admitted.
Looking Forward
In light of Catalano’s personal struggles, he has taken a six-month leave of absence and checked himself into a rehabilitation center. ACM has acknowledged Catalano’s statement regarding his health, reiterating that the wellbeing of its employees remains its top priority. “We understand that the allegations will be distressing and confronting for ACM staff. We will be working to ensure that all employees are supported and heard, and that our business continues to serve our audiences and customers around Australia,” the company stated.
This development comes as ACM navigates the complexities of maintaining its reputation and operational stability amidst the controversy surrounding one of its key figures. Catalano, who previously transformed Fairfax’s Domain property pages into a successful business venture, now faces a personal and professional crossroads.
As ACM prepares to address its staff, the broader implications of this incident on the company’s future and its community engagement remain to be seen. The media group is poised to reinforce its commitment to its values and its audiences, ensuring that the trust it has built over the years remains unshaken.
