Yes, I'm aware of the history. It goes back further than that. It means teacher, really, not doctor as we use it, as it's an obligation to pass on knowledge learned, which is a nice concept.

I do find it odd that you are questioning my ignorance while not understanding simple concepts. Or maybe you're feigning ignorance. Well, when you feign ignorance and then show you do, in fact, understand, it shows your ethics more than your knowledge.

As it happens, it's enough of a problem that AHPRA have specific recommendations on it's use in advertising and other media. As they only regulate healthcare, I wouldn't expect them to have journalism guidelines, but if one is writing about ethics in journalism, shouldn't they follow best practice?

You'll note the journalists bio blurb does not mention her titles origin, but her author page which requires a click through does. She could simply have Dr. X (comms) and there is no ambiguity.

It is not a protected term, like other terms, due to the valid, but less common usage with a PhD. However, there have been moved to make it so, including removing it from healthcare practitioners that are not medical doctors, like dentists, for instance.