Australian Media Executive Antony Catalano Enters Rehabilitation Following Assault Charges
Antony Catalano, the co-owner of Australian Community Media, has taken a six-month leave of absence and checked himself into a rehabilitation center after being charged with assaulting a woman. The 59-year-old newspaper mogul's actions have sent shockwaves through the media industry and prompted his company to distance itself from the executive.
Company Distances Itself From Co-Owner
Australian Community Media will hold a staff meeting on Monday afternoon to address the situation surrounding Catalano's arrest. The board and executive leadership team released a statement expressing they were "shocked and deeply concerned" about the charges facing their part-owner.
"Mr. Catalano is facing charges involving alleged violence towards a woman," ACM stated on Sunday. "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."
Police Allegations Detail Violent Incident
According to an ABC report, police allegations presented to the court describe a disturbing incident on Friday evening. The summary claims Catalano dragged the woman through her apartment by the hair and ankles, resulting in her hospitalization with a fractured coccyx.
Police further alleged that "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." These details have added to the gravity of the situation facing the media executive.
Catalano's Statement and Health Struggles
Catalano issued his own statement acknowledging the charges and his appearance before the Melbourne Magistrates Court. "I am deeply ashamed and humiliated," he said. "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."
The executive revealed he has 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 added, explaining his decision to enter rehabilitation.
Company Prioritizes Employee Wellbeing
ACM acknowledged Catalano's statement about his health but emphasized that the company's "first priority is the wellbeing of its people." The organization stated it understands the allegations will be distressing for staff and committed to ensuring all employees are supported.
"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 affirmed.
Background of the Media Mogul
Catalano, a former property journalist, has had a significant impact on Australia's media landscape. He transformed Fairfax's Domain property pages into a thriving profit center before leaving to build his own successful property magazine. He later returned to Fairfax to steer Domain through a $2.3 billion float.
In 2019, Catalano and investor Alex Waislitz purchased ACM, the former Fairfax regional papers, for $115 million. The company publishes 16 daily newspapers including the Canberra Times, the Illawarra Mercury, and the Bendigo Advertiser, along with 55 non-dailies and agriculture brands such as the Land.
Business Continuity Assured
ACM emphasized that despite Catalano's leave of absence, the business remains stable. "As executive chair his role is not operational," the company stated. "ACM has a capable and experienced management team that is committed to the continuity and stability of the business and to its standards of safety, respect, integrity and inclusion."
The media group stressed that its mastheads "have a long and proud history of upholding the values of the audiences they represent" and remain "a trusted voice in keeping our communities strong, informed and connected." The company assured that this fundamental mission will not change despite the current circumstances.
