WWLP has traditionally been the most watched station in the Pioneer Valley according to Nielsen ratings. However, there have been brief times when WGGB was on top and extended periods in which the two outlets were basically neck-and-neck with WWLP having a slight edge. Originally, WGGB's newscasts were known as "NewsWatch 40". The station cut back financially under Sinclair ownership, and during that period, rumors of canceling "ABC 40 News" or converting to Sinclair's controversial, now-defunct centralcasting "News Central" format sometimes spread.