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
Holiday festivities celebrated around Bay Area has extra meaning for family dealing with cancer
This past weekend was filled with more holiday celebrations and tree lightings around the Bay Area.
Here's a look at how East Bay cities lit up for Christmas holiday season
It's that time of the year. Several East Bay cities held their annual Christmas tree lighting on Saturday. "We are having an amazing time."
Emeryville's Bay Street Mall emerging as new Bay Area foodie hot spot
A dozen big-name stores left Bay Street Mall during the pandemic. There was a 35% vacancy rate until the new owners took over about two years ago. Now new business is helping to revitalize the area.
Contra Costa Co. to install 28-mile micro-transit system with autonomous vehicles
The roadway to the future is coming to Contra Costa County with autonomous vehicles, known as Glydcars.
Alameda County DA Price highlights work around victims' advocacy during 1st year in office
Price says she has initiated programs to assist survivors of human trafficking, more advocacy around helping children and created the first-ever Victims Advisory Commission to the D.A.'s office, which will provide a level of public accountability.
Alameda County charter change may impact efforts to recall DA Pamela Price
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to ask voters on the March ballot if appointed officials can be recalled. Watchdog groups call it a power grab, that could that have an impact on the current effort to recall District Attorney Pamela Price.
Alameda Co. DA Pamela Price holds community forum discussing accomplishments, challenges recall
Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price held another in a series of public forums Saturday night in Oakland. "As the district attorney, I believe that I am the guardian of public safety," says Price, who is facing a strong recall campaign.
Bay Area Palestinians, indigenous groups call for full cease-fire amidst 4-day humanitarian pause
The protests come as a brief pause to the violence in Gaza takes effect while hostages are exchanged.
Oakland community block party puts local spin on Thanksgiving dinner
Oaktown is going old school with a community block party this Thanksgiving, with a menu as diverse as the city itself.
Oakland's Horn BBQ honors Thanksgiving commitment day after restaurant fire
Matt Horn admits it was tough to come to work on Wednesday - the day after his Oakland BBQ restaurant was burned and kitchen destroyed. But he says he made a commitment: a turkey giveaway for Thanksgiving.