Antony Catalano, 59, was arrested and charged on Friday night and appeared before Melbourne Magistrates' Court via video link.
The co-owner of Australian Community Media faces charges of assault, false imprisonment and making threats to kill, according to the ABC.
It is understood the allegations relate to the assault of a woman.
Catalano was granted bail despite police requesting he remain in custody.
Australian Community Media, the country's largest regional and rural digital media company, owns titles including The Canberra Times and The Newcastle Herald.
Catalano purchased the business from Nine Entertainment for $115 million in 2019.
He spent 26 years with Fairfax and was chief executive of Domain for four years, leading the property classifieds operation through its 2017 spin-off from Fairfax into a separately listed business.
ACM general manager Tony Kendall says Catalano has been placed on "an immediate leave of absence" until the matter is resolved.
"I understand that our staff may be concerned and distressed by this news," Mr Kendall said in an email to ACM staff on Saturday and cited in media reports.
"Please be assured that the executive leadership teams are focused on upholding our company's values."
His barrister, Jason Gullaci, has been contacted for comment.
Catalano's case has been adjourned until May 11.
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