diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/say.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/say.dm
index 95b44b15862..c40cd0bf8e5 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/say.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/say.dm
@@ -395,6 +395,8 @@ proc/get_radio_key_from_channel(var/channel)
 	for(var/mob/M in GLOB.dead_mob_list)	//does this include players who joined as observers as well?
 		if(!M.client)
 			continue
+		if(isnewplayer(M))
+			continue
 		if(M.stat == DEAD && M.client && M.get_preference(CHAT_GHOSTEARS))
 			listening |= M