Reporter vs. giornalista
While both 'reporter' and 'giornalista' refer to professionals in journalism, there are subtle differences in their usage and connotations in Italian.
Reporter
'Reporter' in Italian is a loanword from English and typically refers to a journalist who gathers and reports news, often specializing in on-the-scene coverage.
Il reporter di guerra è appena tornato dal fronte.
(The war reporter has just returned from the front lines.)
Come reporter sportivo, segue tutte le partite importanti.
(As a sports reporter, he covers all the important matches.)
Giornalista
'Giornalista' is a broader term that encompasses various roles within journalism, including reporters, editors, and columnists.
La giornalista ha scritto un articolo di approfondimento sulla situazione economica.
(The journalist wrote an in-depth article on the economic situation.)
Come giornalista freelance, collabora con diverse testate.
(As a freelance journalist, she collaborates with various publications.)
Summary
While 'reporter' in Italian often implies a more specific role focusing on gathering and reporting news, especially from the field, 'giornalista' is a more general term for anyone working in journalism. 'Reporter' is often used for specialized roles like war or sports reporting, while 'giornalista' can refer to a wider range of journalistic professions, including writers, editors, and analysts.