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
Oakland university proposes own police department which can patrol outside of campus
Safety is a concern for many students at Northeastern University in Oakland. In a Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU, submitted to the City of Oakland, the university is seeking to create and pay for its own police department with all the powers of a police force - one that would be separate from the Oakland Police Department.
Antioch hosts 1st of 3 community forums in search of new police chief following texting scandal
The city of Antioch has begun its search for a new police chief and hopes to fill the position by June.
Shelter-in-place order lifted for Martinez refinery fire; multiple injuries reported
A shelter-in-place order for residents near the Martinez Refining Co. was lifted Saturday night after a fire that injured at least six people. Contra Costa County health officials said they will continue to monitor air quality overnight until they get an all-clear.
Oakland's historic Waterfront Hotel closing, businesses in Jack London Square to be impacted
Derreck Johnson, who owns a restaurant in Jack London, says the Waterfront Hotel closing is a big deal because small mom and pop stores are dependent on big anchors.
San Jose's Little Saigon lights up as Tet Lunar New Year celebrations begin
For the Vietnamese, it is the year of the wood snake. Organizers add that Saturday night's celebration is to "remember, recreate and retain" their heritage in their adopted homeland.
Alexis Gabe's family upset at DA's decision not to charge mother of accused killer
"No closure," says Alexis Gabe's mother, Rowena, fighting back tears. "I feel like I disappointed my daughter."
Bay Area Afghan refugees legally residing in US fear deportation under Trump administration
Parts of Fremont are often to referred to as Little Kabul for a reason. It's home to one the largest Afghan communities in the United States -- a large number of whom are currently in the U.S. as "humanitarian parolees."
Oakland city employee resigns following grand jury indictment of former Mayor Thao, Duong Family
The fallout continues from the FBI's investigation into bribery and corruption charges related to Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao.
With TikTok offline, Bay Area experts weigh in on economic impacts of US ban
TikTok went dark Saturday night. A social media hub for tens of millions in the United States, there is a wide-reaching impact--not just politically--but economically.
Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao faces up to 95 years in prison on federal charges
Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao is facing up to 95 years in prison after pleading not guilty to federal bribery charges. Three others have also been indicted following a corruption investigation.