Ten years ago, you could leave your front door unlocked in this town without a worry. Back when the news was still something folks trusted to be honest and true.

Now, Australian Community Media (ACM) is scrambling to put out fires after Antony Catalano, its co-owner, faces assault charges following an incident last night that left neighbors whispering behind closed doors.

The ACM staff are gathered at a hastily called meeting, trying to figure out how to keep their heads above water. The company’s statement claims they take employee wellbeing seriously—though the phrase rings hollow in light of this latest development.

It used to be that when someone got charged with something like this, people looked past it or didn’t know. Not anymore.

The pattern is not new; for years, community media has seen a string of incidents and bad press hit the headlines, often tied to those at the top.

What changed? Well, folks these days are quicker to jump on anything that looks fishy or unfair.

Around here, you used to know your neighbor. Not so much anymore.