Facts

Speaking to LBC, Nadine Dorries claimed that Channel 5 has done “really well” since “they were privatised a small number of years ago”. She used this as an example while making the case for the privatisation of Channel 4. 

Channel 5 was launched as a private broadcaster in 1997. It has never been publicly owned. 

Verdict

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries’ said that Channel 5 had been privatised as part of her argument to advance the case for Channel Four privatisation. This claim was false. Dorries’ false claim was not challenged by LBC interviewer Ian Dale.

We approached Nadine Dorries’ office to her a chance to comment, but received no response.

We also reached out to LBC asking why Nadine Dorries’ false statement was not challenged. We received no response.