Arabic version: تم وضع رئيس وسائل الإعلام المجتمعية الأسترالية في إجازة بعد توجيه اتهامات

Antony Catalano, the co-owner and chair of Australian Community Media (ACM), has been placed on leave after being charged in relation to an alleged incident involving a woman. The company informed its staff of the decision through an email sent on Saturday.

Catalano faced a Melbourne Magistrates’ Court regarding the charges on Friday and has since been released on bail. In light of the situation, the boards of 20 Cashews Pty Ltd, owner of ACM, and View Media Group Pty Limited decided to place him on immediate leave until this matter is resolved. According to The Guardian, ACM’s managing director, Tony Kendall, acknowledged the potential distress among staff and emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.

Victoria police have not provided comments regarding the case, and Catalano has not responded to requests for comment. The email from Kendall stated that ACM would refrain from further comments while the legal proceedings are ongoing.

ACM operates 16 daily newspapers, including the Canberra Times, the Illawarra Mercury, and the Bendigo Advertiser, along with 55 non-daily publications and agricultural brands like The Land. Catalano bought his stake in ACM in 2019, after a successful career in journalism and real estate.