The NYT, in an article discussing the premature announcement of Noam Chomsky's death, continually refers to the scholar as "Mr. Chomsky". Chomsky received his Ph.D. in linguistics in 1955. The NYT style guide clearly calls for doctors of philosophy to be referred to as "Dr.", and this convention is followed elsewhere throughout the paper. Do i think the Paper of Record is deliberately trying to demote NC? No, but I think it shows general sloppiness on the part of writer and editor. Titles have meaning, and it's important to report them correctly.
Incidentally, caught the TV news for a minute the other night. The anchorbimbo was referring to an "African American juvenile." Listen up, kids: Physical characteristics should only be explicitly mentioned when they are germane to the story. Got it?