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
Bigger car unveiled for new micro transits system coming to East Contra Costa County
Latest model of a Glydways car will be part of a new transportation system connecting Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood and Oakley, with the aim of reducing traffic congestion.
Bay Area doctor describes horrific scenes from frontline medical mission to Gaza
The destruction of Gaza is evident. The death toll is reported at over 34,000 people. But Dr. Mohammad Subeh says those stats don't capture the reality on the ground.
CA Supreme Court ruling will change how police interact with public when stopping, questioning
Supporters say with this ruling, the Supreme Court of California is finally recognizing instances of over-policing -- especially in communities of color.
'Really excited': 8-year-old set to race in Bay Bridge Half Marathon
Margot, who is just 8-years-old, is signed up for Sunday's Bay Bridge Half marathon. At 13.1 miles, it will be her longest race ever. At age 6, she ran her first 5K.
Richmond becomes 2nd US city to divest from Israel after Hayward
In a 5-to-1 vote, Richmond's city council voted to divest from companies doing business in Israel. It's the second U.S. city to do so, after Hayward.
Alameda County supervisors delay vote on DA Pamela Price's recall election
After three hours of public debate, the board voted to decide the date for a recall election of Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price at a special meeting they will hold mid May.
Bay Area doctor heads to Gaza's Rafah border on medical mission despite possible Israeli invasion
By many accounts, Gaza it is currently one of the most dangerous places in the world. But that's not stopping Dr. Haleh Sheikholeslami from going there on a medical mission.
Award-winning Horn Barbecue reopens at new location in Oakland following devastating fire
"We definitely faced our challenges. A lot of different emotions." Popular Oakland restaurant Horn Barbecue reopened at a new location five months after a devastating fire. Here's a message from owner and chef Matt Horn:
Pro-Palestinian protests continue at Bay Area universities
Student protests over the Israel-Hamas war have popped up on an increasing number of college campuses including in the Bay Area.
Supreme Court case on homelessness could have implications for Bay Area cities, experts say
Handcuffs won't fix the homeless problem say advocates as the U.S. Supreme Court decision on Grants Pass v. Johnson looms.