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
Historic night for Oakland Roots with sell-out crowd at 1st home game at Oakland Coliseum
History was made in the Bay Area on Saturday. The Oakland Roots made history with their opening kick at - their first-ever home game at the Oakland Coliseum to the chants of a sell-out crowd. "It brings good memories to come back."
Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton facing recall effort
Becton is the third Bay Area district attorney facing a recall. The group leading the efforts lists its main concerns to be: a cycle of unaddressed criminal activity, empty promises to victims, lack of transparency, and attempts to keep offenders out of jail.
Mixed reactions felt on verdict in Antioch PD racist texts: 'We have a radicalized police force'
A federal jury found former Antioch police officer Morteza Amiri guilty on two counts: for violating a person's rights and falsifying police reports. But not on conspiracy charges related to the Antioch police texting scandal.
Family confirms 6-year-old twin, grandma and great-grandma died in San Leandro house fire
"That's the only thing she said, was 'Is my sister going to be ok? Are the ambulance going to help my sister?' And then, 'Is my sister dead?' And then she asked if the fireman could help her sister," one neighbor said.
3 people, dog killed in San Leandro house fire with others injured, officials say
Officials say three people and a dog have died after a devastating house fire in San Leandro early Thursday morning with several others injured.
Antioch police officer in racist texting scandal stands trial in federal case: Here's what happened
High drama in a Contra Costa County courtroom as a former Antioch police officer recently testified against another officers over violent behavior while on duty and exchanging racist texts.
Newly released video shows possible police misconduct in deadly 2023 Martinez shooting
There are new developments with a deadly police shooting in Martinez that happened in 2023. Tahmon and Tommy Wilson were shot at by Martinez police, who were responding to a burglary at a cannabis dispensary. Tahmon died at the scene.
Will the 200 cameras now operating and recording on East Bay freeways help reduce crime?
Those who support freeway camera technology in Oakland say there are laws to make sure the data will not be misused, but critics doubt their effectiveness in helping reduce crime.
Thousands of fans flock to Thrive City in San Francisco for NBA All-Star weekend events
Follow the fans and they'll lead you here: Thrive City at Chase Center. Thousands showed up for the NBA All-Star events and some for celebrity sightseeing.
Stephen Curry leads NBA All-Star Day of Service with Oakland schools
As the excitement builds around the NBA All-Star Game, some of the action took place off the court at schools in Oakland, where NBA All-Stars past and present put in time to volunteer with the kids. Stephen and Ayesha Curry's Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation led almost 300 volunteers in a day of service.