diff --git a/code/game/objects/items/devices/radio/encryptionkey.dm b/code/game/objects/items/devices/radio/encryptionkey.dm
index 0f7cbd04973..7e12dd58c58 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/items/devices/radio/encryptionkey.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/items/devices/radio/encryptionkey.dm
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@
 	var/syndie = 0
 	var/raider = 0
 	var/list/channels = list()
+	channels = list("Common" = 1)
 
 /obj/item/device/encryptionkey/attackby(obj/item/weapon/W as obj, mob/user as mob)