Anser Hassan | ABC7 KGO News Team
I was watching the Olympic Games and thought - that has to be the best job ever. Watch sports and talk about them. As I grew older my interests switched to news, but the broadcast dream was planted.

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
OPD adds 12 officers to its ranks ahead of new police chief start date
The police department says this class is a diverse group with three females and nine males, speaking multiple languages. The graduates bring the department's total to 716 sworn officers.
Stargazers, aspiring astronomers show up for 2nd night of Northern Lights in Bay Area
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Oakland airport name change unanimously approved by board as SF continues lawsuit threats
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4 suspects in 2021 murder reach plea deal in landmark case linked to Antioch police texting scandal
Two of the four men charged in a 2021 homicide avoided life in prison as part of plea deal because of the racial bias of the officers investigating the case. Here's how the Antioch police texting scandal impacted the trial in the murder of Arnold Hawkins.
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.