Maybe we should not be too harsh with the media. The terms used to be "pilot" and "copilot" , with pilot being the captain.
That changed to "captain" and " first officer" just like "chief pilot " changed to "operational manager" or something like it.
As long as people understand which person is meant it is ok.
However when the media think there is only one "real" pilot upfront, then yes, you have a point.