ACM distances itself from Catalano following assault charges

MUMBRELLA STAFF

March 16, 2026 10:07

ACM distances itself from Catalano following assault charges

Antony Catalano

The board and executive leadership team of Australian Community Media (ACM) have issued a strongly worded joint statement distancing the company from executive chair and co-owner Antony Catalano saying his alleged actions are “entirely against the values of our company and our mastheads.”

Catalano was arrested on Friday night after allegedly dragging a woman through an apartment and swinging a clothes iron at her head. The woman was admitted to hospital and suffered a fractured tailbone, according to evidence presented at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

Catalano was released on bail, after being charged with assault, false imprisonment, and making threats to kill. He has been placed on an extended leave of absence by the boards of 20 Cashews, the company that owns ACM, and View Media Group.

Catalano owns 50% of ACM, which publishes 65 regional mastheads, including the Newcastle Herald, Canberra Times, and Illawarra Mercury.

He issued a statement through the Canberra Times on Saturday night, saying he “understand[s] the gravity of this situation and the distress it has caused” and is “deeply ashamed and humiliated”.

“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.

“I regret not heeding their advice and I continued to believe I could hide my mental health issues. I allowed shame and pride to prevent me from confronting these problems and seeking treatment earlier.”

Catalano said he is checking into a rehabilitation program and taking a six-month leave of absence from all professional responsibilities.

The 59-year-old Catalano began his career in journalism, rising to be property editor and then marketing director for Fairfax’s The Age before he was made redundant by the company in 2008. After starting his own property classifieds business, he re-entered the Fairfax fold when it bought half his company in 2011. Eventually, Catalano ended up as CEO of Domain, leaving the role in 2018.

A statement issued by the board and leadership team of ACM on Sunday morning said it was “shocked and deeply concerned” by the “serious allegations” levelled at Catalano.

“Mr Catalano is facing charges involving alleged violence towards a woman. 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.

“Mr Catalano’s absence will not affect the day-to-day running of ACM. As executive chair his role is not operational. 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 statement acknowledged Catalano’s earlier statement about his health, adding: “However, the company’s first priority is the wellbeing of its people. 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 case has been adjourned until 11 May.

The full statement from ACM:

The board and executive leadership team of ACM are shocked and deeply concerned by the serious allegations regarding executive chairman Antony Catalano, who is now on an extended leave of absence.

Mr Catalano is facing charges involving alleged violence towards a woman. 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.

Mr Catalano’s absence will not affect the day-to-day running of ACM. As executive chair his role is not operational. 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.

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.

We acknowledge Mr Catalano’s statement about his health. However, the company’s first priority is the wellbeing of its people. 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.

Our thoughts are with all those affected by this matter.

Antony Catalano’s full statement:

Over the past 24 hours serious allegations have been made against me and I appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

I understand the gravity of this situation and the distress it has caused – and for this I am profoundly sorry.

I am deeply ashamed and humiliated. 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.

I regret not heeding their advice and I continued to believe I could hide my mental health issues. I allowed shame and pride to prevent me from confronting these problems and seeking treatment earlier.

In light of recent events, I have now accepted that I need help and I will be checking myself into a rehabilitation program immediately.

I will also be taking a six-month leave of absence from all professional responsibilities so I can focus entirely on treatment and recovery.

I know I have let many people down. I am deeply sorry for the impact my behaviour has had on my family, my colleagues and staff across View Media Group and Australian Community Media.

I understand there is now a legal process under way and I will respect that process. On the advice of my lawyers I will not be commenting further while the matter is before the courts.

My focus now is on getting the help I need and taking responsibility for rebuilding my health and my life. I ask for privacy for my family during this very difficult time.