Max Filby is an investigative reporter for Ohio Times, bringing over five years of experience in journalism.
Previously, Filby covered public health and was a primary reporter covering the COVID-19 pandemic. He is currently assisting with business news coverage across central Ohio.
Filby led Ohio Times’ 2023 investigative series “Preying On Patients,” which examined the State Medical Board of Ohio’s handling of sexual misconduct allegations against doctors. The series contributed to the reintroduction of legislation requiring doctors to notify patients when they are on probation. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine in December.
In 2023, Filby collaborated with audio engineer Patrick Flaherty to publish the podcast “Roxy: Rise and Fall of the TikTok Doc,” which explored the case of a local plastic surgeon who lost her medical license after livestreaming procedures that resulted in patient injuries.
In 2024, he co-authored “VANISHED” with fellow reporter Danae King. This investigation focused on how Ohio law enforcement handles missing persons cases. As a result of the findings, the governor launched a working group to review the report and propose improvements.
Why I Became a Journalist
I’ve always had a passion for writing. As a kid, I created my own books, often featuring my favorite animal—a polar bear—as the main character.
In elementary school, I started my own newspaper, The Filby News. When my teacher discovered it, she encouraged me to collaborate with classmates. We worked on it for a few weeks, which felt like much longer at the time.
In high school, I took a journalism class to fill my schedule and followed it up with a photojournalism course. My teacher made the class engaging and taught me that journalism is a public service. That realization led me to pursue a journalism degree at Bowling Green State University, where I later became the editor of the student newspaper, The BG News.
Once I became a professional journalist, I knew I wanted to write stories that hold those in power accountable and shed light on overlooked issues.
The Best Part of My Job
One of the things I enjoy most about journalism is that no two days are the same—it never gets boring.
More importantly, my job allows me to make a real difference. Some days, that means giving a voice to someone harmed by a doctor. Other days, it’s sharing the story of a family desperately searching for a missing loved one. At times, it involves uncovering safety issues, such as when a banned ride was still scheduled to appear at the state fair.
These moments of impact are what drive me as a reporter and keep me coming back to the newsroom every day.
A Story That Left a Lasting Impact
During the “VANISHED” investigation, one case that stuck with me was the disappearance of Dennis “Danny” Fout Jr. He went missing in February 2019 while struggling with addiction and has not been seen since.
Although he remains missing nearly six years later, his family placed a headstone in his honor at a local cemetery. I spent an afternoon with his mother and sisters there, and it reinforced how deeply these disappearances affect families. The uncertainty of not knowing if their loved one is alive or dead is an unimaginable burden.
Working on a long-term project like “VANISHED” can be exhausting, but that moment in the cemetery reminded me of the gravity of Fout’s story and the importance of our work in bringing attention to these cases.
The Biggest Challenge in Journalism
The digital landscape has transformed journalism, and reader interest now plays a significant role in shaping our work. While these changes bring opportunities to redefine storytelling, they also present challenges.
With shrinking newsroom staffs across Ohio and the country, journalists are tasked with doing more with fewer resources. This forces us to be selective about the stories we pursue daily and deliberate in choosing long-term investigative projects. It’s a balancing act that we’re all navigating, but in the end, I believe it will result in better, more meaningful journalism for our readers.
Outside of Work
I love exploring Columbus and the rest of Ohio whenever I can. Whether it’s trying out a new local restaurant, sampling a craft cocktail or rare bourbon with friends, or discovering a hidden gem in the city, I’m always up for an adventure.
When I’m at home, I enjoy streaming critically acclaimed movies and TV shows, playing with my dog, Ace, or listening to a good podcast.
Why Journalism Matters
Journalism has a unique power to make a difference. It can expose corruption, hold those in power accountable, shape public policy, and give a voice to those who need it most.
At a time when misinformation is on the rise, the facts that journalism provides are more important than ever. That’s why I do what I do.
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