Media Mogul Antony Catalano Steps Down Amidst Serious Allegations
Prominent media figure Antony Catalano, co-owner and chairman of Australian Community Media (ACM), has announced he is stepping down from his executive roles. This decision follows serious charges of assault, false imprisonment, and making threats to kill, stemming from an alleged incident involving a woman at her Melbourne unit. Catalano, a 59-year-old former journalist turned media executive, has expressed deep shame and humiliation regarding the accusations.
The allegations paint a disturbing picture, with reports suggesting Catalano dragged a woman through her apartment and swung a clothes iron at her head. The incident led to the woman sustaining a fractured coccyx, according to a summary of police allegations presented in court. The summary detailed how the accused allegedly pulled the victim by her hair and ankles to a laundry area, where he then retrieved a clothes iron and brandished it towards her head. The victim reportedly grabbed the iron herself to defend against the alleged forceful swing.
Catalano faced court via video link from a police station on Friday night and was subsequently granted bail. His bail conditions are stringent, requiring him to surrender his passport, report to police regularly, maintain no contact with the alleged victim, and adhere to a curfew.
Acknowledging Personal Struggles and Seeking Help
In a candid statement released on Saturday, Catalano announced his temporary departure from all business commitments for a period of six months. He revealed his intention to enter a rehabilitation facility to address what he openly described as ongoing mental health and substance abuse issues. Catalano acknowledged that those close to him had been urging him to seek professional help for some time, with family and friends staging interventions.
“I am deeply ashamed and humiliated,” Catalano stated, admitting he regretted not heeding the advice and allowing shame and pride to prevent him from confronting his problems and seeking treatment earlier. His current focus, he emphasised, is entirely on his treatment and recovery. This personal reckoning comes shortly after he celebrated his 59th birthday.
ACM’s Response and Employee Communication
The managing director of ACM, Tony Kendall, informed staff via an internal message that Catalano had been placed on immediate leave while the legal proceedings are ongoing. Mr Kendall acknowledged that the news might cause concern and distress among employees, assuring them that the executive leadership teams remain committed to upholding the company’s values. ACM has stated it will not be making further public comments on the matter while the case is before the courts.
Bail Granted Despite Police Concerns
Despite police arguments that Catalano posed a significant risk of reoffending or absconding from Victoria, bail was granted by the court. The police had strongly advocated for his remand in custody due to the perceived “significant” risk associated with his circumstances.
The Legal Proceedings and Allegations
During the court hearing, the summary of police allegations detailed the severity of the incident. While Catalano’s barrister, Jason Gullaci SC, noted that the specific allegation of the iron being swung “forcefully” at the victim’s head was not included in the police summary, he acknowledged that CCTV footage confirmed contact between Catalano and the woman. Mr Gullaci conceded that the aftermath of the alleged attack “doesn’t look great.”
However, he highlighted Catalano’s clean criminal history and his substantial property and business interests, emphasizing his integral role in these ventures. Catalano, a father of nine, has significant ties to Victoria and Byron Bay, where he reportedly owns a $55 million property. It was alleged in court that he contacted police from his Byron Bay home after observing what he believed to be individuals emerging from the woodwork on his property.
Catalano’s Extensive Media Career
Catalano has a long and varied career in the Australian media landscape. He previously held the position of chief executive at the property listings company Domain, resigning in 2018. Prior to that, he served as an executive at Fairfax Media.
In the year following his departure from Domain, Catalano, alongside billionaire investor Alex Waislitz, acquired ACM in a substantial $115 million deal. ACM is a significant publisher of regional newspapers across Australia, including well-known titles such as the Newcastle Herald, Illawarra Mercury, Canberra Times, and The Examiner in Launceston.
Catalano is scheduled to reappear in court on May 11. The unfolding legal situation and his subsequent absence from ACM’s leadership will undoubtedly be closely watched within the Australian media industry.
