Meet Max!
Max’s passion for people and connecting with them started at a young age. Never the shy one, his parents used to tell him, “This now concludes your broadcast day.” Talk about foreshadowing.
Like most good journalists, he’s always found himself asking, “why?” That, combined with a deep interest in people, drove him to broadcast news.
The youngest of two, Max grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. After a brief stint in California, Max returned home and earned a broadcasting degree from the world-renowned University of Missouri school of Journalism.
Upon graduation in 2017, Max accepted a position as an Anchor/Reporter at KCCI 8 News in Des Moines, Iowa. After more than three years in Des Moines, Max accepted an evening anchor/investigative reporter role at WTOC-TV in Savannah, Georgia, where he’s spent the past three years.
Max is is blessed with a great family. He’s especially grateful for his parents, Dan and Maria. Outside of journalism, Max is passionate about exercise and sports, and loves everything outdoors. He also enjoys reading, traveling, trying new foods and spending time with friends and family.
Behind the Scenes
Max prides himself on being a supportive coworker and a newsroom leader. A positive force in the building, Diekneite is approachable and plays well with others. If you’re looking for someone to help boost morale and build your culture, you’ve found your man. Max has made lifelong friends and connections in Savannah, and is poised to take that successful experience and attitude with him on his next adventure.
Recognition
Diekneite has been recognized on numerous occasions for his work. Most recently, he earned recognition from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters by winning a ‘GABBY’ award for Best Online Breaking News Coverage.
Diekneite was the first reporter to go live from the scene of a tragic kidnapping of twin babies. His coverage throughout the day took him across town, where authorities rescued the infants and brought their kidnappers to justice. Diekneite, along with his stellar team, were awarded a GABBY for their efforts.
Diekneite crowned RMHC’s 2023 ‘Prince of Sole’
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire at its annual flagship fundraiser, ‘Wine, Women & Shoes’, crowned Diekneite ‘Prince of Sole’ after he helped raise more than $10,000 for the charity, which provides housing and basic necessities for the families of critically ill children. It was Diekneite’s second straight year competing in the fundraiser, which has raised roughly half a million dollars during that time.
