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
Family eulogizes Oakland teacher killed by reckless driver after CHP pursuit
The family was joined by friends and Boomer's Castlemont High School colleagues and students, who came to honor a man praised for his tremendous work within the Oakland community.
Bay Area immigrant communities criticize Trump's latest travel ban: 'Racism and xenophobia'
Bay Area communities affected by President Donald Trump's latest travel ban are sharply criticizing the proclamation for targeting countries with predominately Muslim, Black and brown citizens, noting that it "fuels the dangerous anti-immigrant rhetoric."
Oakland Unified School District announces new interim superintendent despite contract concerns
In a special meeting , the OUSD board voted 6 to 1 to appoint a new interim superintendent for the next school year in order to get the ball rolling on contract negotiations before her start on July 1.
Community remembers Oakland teacher struck by reckless driver in emotional vigil
One by one, friends of the late Dr. Marvin Boomer, spoke at a candlelight vigil in Oakland remembering the Castlemont teacher who meant so much to them. Dr. Boomer was fatally struck by a CHP chase suspect on Wednesday.
Thousand pack SF for Memorial Day weekend, including Carnaval, Chinatown Pride
Thousands came out to San Francisco on Saturday to kick off Memorial Day weekend and to celebrate two big cultural events.
Family welcomes home Livermore World War II vet who died 81 years ago: 'This is where you belong'
Eight decades after his plane was shot down, there was a special homecoming for Lt. Thomas Kelly, a World War II veteran from Livermore, whose remains were returned to the Bay Area.
Concerns raised after Oakland school mural featuring Palestinian flag defaced with Star of David
Along with concerns of possible anti-Palestinian hate, are allegations that the OUSD didn't take any immediate action to remove the graffiti -- until public pressure mounted.
Fire at San Leandro BART station damages equipment, suspends train service
An early morning fire forced the San Leandro BART station to close, damaging cable and train control equipment, and suspending train service between the Lake Merritt, Berryessa and Dublin stations.
'It is time for you to leave the United States': Thousands of Bay Area Afghans get letter from DHS
A Department of Homeland Security letter sent to Bay Area Afghan parolees states: "It is time for you to leave the United States. Don't attempt to remain in the United States. The federal government will find you. Please depart the United States immediately."
Bay Area shoppers expected to spend big on Mother's Day despite tariffs, economic uncertainty
Even in the face of economic uncertainty and rising tariffs, consumers are expected to spend $34.1 billion this Mother's Day, according to the National Retail Federation.