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
Bay Area man connected to San Diego mosque grew up with victim in deadly shooting
The Islamic Center of San Diego used to be like a second home for Belmont resident Rami Bailony, whose brother's children were in class when three victims were killed, including the mosque caretaker he grew up with.
Bay Area senior meal services threatened as rising gas prices strain Meals on Wheels programs
Rising gas prices are putting added pressure on a program that delivers meals to vulnerable seniors in the East Bay, with officials warning the increased costs could impact services across Contra Costa County.
BTS ARMY braves long lines for merch before band's big Bay Area comeback this weekend
On Saturday, one of the biggest music groups in the world performs the first of three nights at Stanford. Excitement has been building in the Bay Area for the return of BTS. We caught up with a few fans in the long line for merch.
BTS to perform 3 sold out shows at Stanford Stadium this weekend: What to know
BTS is playing three sold-out shows at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday. It's the group's only Northern California stop on its comeback tour and its first return to the Bay Area in eight years. Here's everything you need to know.
Popular CA coffee shop hit with another break-in; thieves cause $20K damage but steal just $2
Crews spent most of the day boarding up the main entrance to Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Company, a popular Fremont coffee shop, after a breakin early Tuesday morning. It's the fourth breakin in less than two years.
Body found inside Santa Clara home that caught fire minutes after deadly shooting, police say
A body was found inside a burned residence in Santa Clara hours after a fatal shooting nearby, police said Saturday. The remains were first located with the help of drones Friday night inside the rear of the structure on Enright Avenue, police said.
Oakland police shoot suspect after officers dragged, pinned during traffic stop
Two Oakland police officers are on paid leave after an officer shot a suspect who allegedly dragged the officers with a vehicle and pinned one of them during a traffic stop early Friday morning, authorities said.
Police searching for suspect who allegedly drove onto sidewalk in Oakland, injuring 7
Seven pedestrians in Oakland were hospitalized after being struck by a car that went onto the sidewalk early Saturday morning after the First Fridays block party. Police say some of the people were allegedly targeted by the driver.
Contra Costa Co. DA agrees to coroner's inquest for Brentwood woman who died in police custody
The family of 72-year-old Yolanda Ramirez, who died after an interaction with Brentwood police last September, is rejoicing after new developments in the case: the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office has agreed to conduct a coroner's inquest after an independent autopsy ruled Ramirez's death to be a homicide.
Oakland officers shoot, kill man who was 'pointing a firearm at people,' police say
The shooting happened near the intersection of 89th Avenue and Birch Street after police responded to reports from neighbors that the man had allegedly been waving a gun at passersby, including children.
