To me it is the worst way to describe bitcoin because the meaning of "virtual", especially in the context of the internet implies a "non-reality" or simulation of something real.
Indeed (to the non-reality). Show me a bitcoin. Or even a "bitcoin serial number". There are only transactions. Virtuality in almost its purest form.
It probably deserves the "virtual currency" monicker more than traditional virtual currencies.
This is true. But for convenience we think of Bitcoin as units and that meme + vertual = not real.
When CNN calls it virtual they do not share your understanding they are thinking not real as in cyberspace fantasy.
So I switched to digital currency, but will now tolerate it when people who are possibly smarter than me call it virtual.