WestStar has announced upcoming programming changes, including new channels for its Premier Sports and Info package.

WestStar is moving Fox Sports Channel (channel 130) from the Sports and Info package to Basic Cable channel 11. This will be an immediate change to the company’s programming line-up.

A WestStar press release said the company “is working to enhance the Sports and Info package by adding CNNI and Versus in the coming weeks. Versus will also be available on WestStar’s new HD package, so sports fans can experience a variety of sports from NHL to bull-riding in high definition.”

The press release said WestStar plans to add more programming to its Premier Sports and Info Tier in the coming weeks and will release more information about the new additions as they become available.

WestStar’s contract with ESPNI and ESPN2 expired in December 2008.

The WestStar press release said the company “has been working on negotiating a contract that would benefit their valued customers. In the meantime ESPNI and ESPN2 have decided to cease the availability of these channels in order to force WestStar into an agreement with unacceptable terms.”

The press release continued, “However, WestStar feels that sports fans will be pleased with the new additions to their programming line-up. WestStar is committed to making more programming choices available to their valued customers.”

CNNI stands for CNN International, which was launched in 1985 and geared toward International business travelers. Now broadcasting in more than 200 countries, the channel has grown to become a premier provider of world news, sports, and entertainment. CNNI competes with BBC World Service, and the programming line-up includes Your World Today, Marketplace Middle East, and Talk Asia.

Versus is a premier sports channel featuring coverage of a wide variety of sporting events. Versus caters to sports fans with diverse programming including NHL, American College Football, Indycar, MMA, and Cycling. Popular programmes include Sports Soup, Indy Racing League, and Fanarchy.