The man behind LX.TV is out.

LX, provides lifestyle programming for several NBC stations, including WNBC/Channel 4.

The decision that caused Morgan Hertzan, the co-founder of LX.TV, to leave is not clear.

A NBC Universal spokesperson says,”Morgan Hertzan is leaving LX.TV to start another production company.  Morgan and his team at LX.TV have a strong record of turning innovative concepts into engaging shows that resonate with audiences across the country, including the nationally-syndicated Open House.  We thank Morgan for his many contributions and wish him all the best in his new venture.”

The Daily News, however, tells a different story, saying Hertzan had been without a contract for the past six months. Furthermore, his departure was connected to Channel 4 decision to move the LX produced New York Live from 5 p.m. slot to 3 p.m.

Another source tells the newspaper that “time had run out” on Hertzan’s relationship with NBC and Hertzan was “ready to try something different.”

Among the LX.TV shows seen on WNBC are 1st Look and real-estate themed Open House.

Hertzan, a former MTV executive, realized LX.TV in 2006 as a broadband video network with Joseph Varet and oversaw its expansion to cable and broadcast TV at NBC.

LX New York, which has been on the air weekdays at 5 p.m. since September 2009, is undergoing a name change. Beginning this afternoon, the lifestyle and entertainment show hosted by veteran WNBC anchor Jane Hanson (right) and Sara Gore (left) will become New York Live.

“LX New York is a vibrant live show with a loyal viewership that tunes in and actively participates in our show every day,” says Morgan Hertzan, general manager, LX.TV. ” And now our new name, New York Live, reflects what the show has become — all about the very best of New York everyday – as evidenced by the strong ratings growth in both Adults 25 to 54 and the Women 25 to 54 demo.”

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While everyone is familiar with the legendary team of Chuck Scarborough and Sue Simmons, Jane Hanson‘s tenure at WNBC actually predates Sue’s remarkable reign.

Until she was unceremoniously fired in 2006 after 27 years at the station. She was most prominently co-anchor on Today in New York from 1988 to 2003.

“It just ended abruptly one day,” Hanson recalls. “I had no agent, I had nobody looking for anything for me in television … There was a signal from the universe or whomever that my time on TV was up, and that was ok.”

As Hanson was coming to the realization that she might not find work again in TV, her former company was busy making deep cuts in personnel.

In some ways she became the trailblazer for what was to come. Beginning in 2008, WNBC axed several familiar anchors and reporters, while putting resources into the upstart 24-hour digital channel New York Nonstop.

“The faces have changed but I don’t think the commitment to the community and the news has changed at all,” Hanson admits.

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On Monday night, we headed west to Hudson Terrace to join the festivities celebrating the launch of WNBC‘s new afternoon live local lifestyle show, “LX New York.”

The show debuted live on channel 4 at 5pm on Monday, with senior vice president of LX.TV Morgan Hertzan and on-air talent Sara Gore, Siafa Lewis, Michael Flocker, George Oliphant and Maria Sansone heading over to the party afterward to celebrate and sip Absolut cocktails on the open air roof deck.

Hertzan told us that he thought the first show went on without a hitch, even though launching a live show is always nerve-wracking. “Live is the only way to go,” he said.

We also learned that Gore, who appeared on “Today” Monday morning to promote “LX New York,” was a chef before she became the bubbly host that we know her to be today. When we asked her where she got the recipe for the steak she cooked with Al Roker that morning, she boasted, “It’s mine!” (Check out the video below.)

So what did Gore, who now hosts three LX.TV lifestyle shows, think of the “LX New York” premiere episode?

“There were a few things I wish had gone more smoothly,” she said. “But it was the first show and it was live, and now we know what we can work on.”

Also spotted in the crowd, Olivia Metzger of talent agency CAA and two former TVNewser editors, The New York Times‘ Brian Stelter and Mediaite.com TV editor Steve Krakauer.

More pictures after the jump

Earlier: WNBC Launches Afternoon Live Local Lifestyle Show

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