Reportero vs. periodista

The Spanish words 'reportero' and 'periodista' both refer to individuals involved in the collection and dissemination of information. Though often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between these terms.

Reportero

This term is a more specific one and typically refers to a journalist who specializes in reporting. A 'reportero' often directly collects information, usually firsthand, and reports or presents it.
El reportero esta cubriendo de cerca los acontecimientos actuales.
(The reporter is closely covering current events.)
Este trabajo requiere que el reportero viaje frecuentemente.
(This job requires the reporter to travel frequently.)

Periodista

'Periodista', is a broader term, loosely equivalent to the English word 'journalist'. It refers to an individual who writes for newspapers or magazines or prepares news or features for broadcast media.
La periodista escribió una columna sobre el problema de la discriminación racial.
(The journalist wrote a column about the racial discrimination issue.)
Ella es periodista en un canal de noticias local.
(She is a journalist on a local news channel.)

Summary

'Reportero' and 'periodista', while similar, have differences in specificity. A 'reportero', typically a field correspondent who directly collects and reports news, falls under the larger umbrella of 'periodista', which refers generically to anyone involved in producing journalism in any form.