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
How police department plays large role in Oakland's $93 million budget deficit
At Tuesday's city council meeting, red flags were raised about the Oakland Police Department's role in the city's $93 million budget deficit.
Vigil held for father in Bodega Bay boating accident, whose body hasn't been found
It was a boating trip that became a family tradition. But this weekend, family and friends gathered to mourn those who didn't make it home, including for one father and husband, Prasong Khammoungkhoune. "The monks chanting was more of a prayer that he would hear, and that his soul would rest in peace."
Alameda Co. court approves charges against 9 deputies, 2 medical staff in 2021 in-custody death
The criminal charges were filed for the in-custody death of Maurice Monk at the Santa Rita Jail against seven current Alameda County Sheriff deputies, two former sheriff's deputies, and two Santa Rita Jail medical staff, including a doctor.
Oakland teachers union opposes school mergers, says district budget not as dire as projected
Oakland Unified School District is considering merging schools that already share campuses to tackle its $78 million projected budget deficit. But some parents warn that the mergers are a short-term fix to growing budget problems.
Alameda County Board of Supervisors to begin search for DA Price replacement
The Alameda County Board of Supervisor will appoint an interim district attorney, who will serve until the next election in 2026. Whoever wins will serve out the rest of Price's term through 2028.
Gov. Newsom orders CHP enforcement in Oakland to be extended, raising concerns of over-policing
The surge operation that has CHP officers in Oakland was set to expire this week. However, building off the success from the program, Gov. Newsom has ordered CHP to continue its work in the city through at least the end of the year.
Bay Area Trump supporters say president-elect will deliver on policies that help working class
"All I want to do is 'Make America Great Again,'" says Nancy Githoitho, a San Francisco resident.
Mayor Sheng Thao, DA Pamela Price appear to be on the way out in recall elections
Both the recalls of Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao are leading 65% to 35%, with 100% of precincts reporting.
What will happen if Alameda Co. DA Price, Oakland Mayor Thao are recalled?
For the past year, those for and against the recall of Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao have stated their cases. On Tuesday, it will be up to voters.
Report finds lack of police efficiency leading to fewer arrests in CA
A new report released by the Center for Juvenile and Criminal Justice finds that despite the huge increases in police funding, departments are solving fewer crimes than ever in California. The report claims the real crisis is lack of police efficiency.