In February 2015, with much fanfare and a healthy dose of press coverage (this reporter included), MSNBC announced celebrity chef and "Top Chef" judge Tom Colicchio as the network's first food correspondent.

"There are few voices -- if any -- that are as passionate as Tom Colicchio is when talking about the food we eat and how it impacts our families and communities," MSNBC President Phil Griffin said at the time.

Mr. Colicchio was to host a weekly digital video show called "Stirring the Pot" for MSNBC's streaming network, Shift, and an interview segment for the web and TV called "Everyone Eats."

But Mr. Colicchio's run as MSNBC's food correspondent lasted only a few months, until December 2015, a network spokeswoman confirmed to Ad Age.

Mr. Colicchio's "Stirring the Pot" show, which was to focus on heavy-hitting issues like food safety and hunger, never ran, though he discussed these topics in appearances on the network. His interview segment, which was to appear online and on TV, also never made it, likely a victim of his bruising schedule.

So why didn't Mr. Colicchio's role pan out? MSNBC's focus has shifted in recent months from progressive politics and commentary to down-the-middle, breaking news, leaving little room for a food correspondent. Mr. Colicchio remains, however, a popular judge on Bravo's "Top Chef," which recently aired its 13th season.