Anser Hassan
My journalism career began in Pleasanton, for the now defunct CTV30, covering the Tri-Valley cities of San Ramon, Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton. A prestigious, peer-nominated New York Times Minority Trainee opportunity took me to the Midwest to work in the Quad Cities region, reporting from both Illinois and Iowa. I also had the incredible opportunity (although brief) to serve as a national correspondent for the Black News Channel, until it went bankrupt in 2022.
I completed my undergraduate degrees, with honors, from San Francisco State University. My first degree is in TV-Radio News. My second degree is in International Relations, with a Middle East regional concentration, and an emphasis on Islamic political movements and Islamic feminism. My master's degree is in Comparative Political Economy from the London School of Economics. I studied and speak seven languages: Urdu, English, Saraiki, Punjabi, French, Hindi and Arabic.
My parents immigrated to the U.S. from Multan, Pakistan. I was born in Michigan, where my father was completing his doctorate degree. When I was two months old, my dad got a job in San Francisco. My family has been here ever since. I grew up in Danville, so covering the East Bay for ABC7 News is truly one of those full-circle moments.
My work has earned me several awards including an Emmy in 2021 for a Black Lives Matter protest, as well as national awards from the Radio Television and Digital News Association and the National Press Foundation for my coverage of the American-Muslim community. I have also been involved in programs to train foreign journalists; most recently in conjunction with the United States State Department, and another with the Media Diversity Institute in London.
Random notes about me: My favorite color is black. I have never drank coffee. I tried to be vegetarian - it didn't work, although I haven't eaten red meat since high school. If I wasn't a journalist, I would be a fitness trainer. I have traveled to 99 countries, which leaves 98 left to visit!
This gig has been a front row to history, having interviewed President Obama, President Bush, U.S. cabinet members and governors, along with other national and state politicians. There have been numerous professional athletes (yes, even some Olympians!), actors, Silicon Valley big wigs, amazing soccer moms, spelling bee champs, and Nobel Prize winners. I have been attacked at an anti-Muslim rally in Sacramento, spit on by White nationalists, and have talked with former Black-Panthers... you get the idea.
This job is not always easy. The working is grinding. A reporter must get as many sides to a story as possible, be factual, be resourceful and be responsible. But most nights I come home and think, "Wow! This is what I get to do every day?" And I wouldn't trade it for any other job.
Anser's Stories
2 lawsuits challenge environmental, health impacts of Oakland Airport expansion
Two lawsuits attempting to block an Oakland Airport expansion address the impacts it would bring to the community and environment with increased air pollution.
Sexual abuse victims testify against Oakland Diocese bankruptcy amid lawsuits
Emotional and graphic statements were given on Friday from several survivors who are part of the sexual abuse scandal linked to the Oakland Diocese.
5 injured, 'extensive' property damage reported following EF1 tornado in Scotts Valley
Five people were injured and "extensive" property damage was reported by city officials after an EF1 tornado hit Scotts Valley during a thunderstorm.
Oakland shares timeline for replacing mayor after Sheng Thao recalled
Oakland will have a new mayor after Mayor Sheng Thao was recalled in the November election. That much we know. But the path to who will become the next mayor involves several steps.
Antioch pastor recalls fighting off would-be burglar on Thanksgiving with martial arts
It wasn't the normal festive start to Thanksgiving Pastor Nick Neves was expecting. "I told him to stop. He didn't want to stop. So, I ran after him. Grab a hold of him." The pastor from First Family Church in Antioch recalls fighting off an alleged burglar on Thanksgiving with his martial arts training in jiu-jitsu and kickboxing.
Bay Area doctor helps 15-year-old Gazan amputee get medical treatment to learn to walk again
A young teenager from Gaza met with supporters who helped to bring him to the U.S. for medical treatment. A South Bay doctor also played a role in bringing him here, following a chance encounter back in February.
Lisjan Nation honors Bay Area ancestors with march from Berkeley to Emeryville
Drumbeats guided dancers through a sacred dance in which they honor their ancestors. The performance marked the end of a three-mile prayer walk at the Emeryville Bay Street Mall.
Bay Area family celebrates Israel-Lebanon ceasefire over Thanksgiving
On this Thanksgiving, Christina Dahro is thankful to be alive and surrounded by family, and knowing that her family in the Middle East is safe with the start of a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
3 recent Piedmont High graduates killed, 1 injured in fiery Cybertruck crash: source
The three young adults killed and one injured in a tragic crash early Wednesday morning all graduated from Piedmont High School in 2023, according to a mother ABC7 News spoke to.
Pleasant Hill 'Light Up the Night' holiday event welcomes thousands with brief break from rain
In Pleasant Hill, thousands came out for the annual "Light Up the Night" holiday event downtown. It was a great chance to break from the rain with clear skies too.