diff --git a/ccm-forum/src/com/arsdigita/forum/Forum.java b/ccm-forum/src/com/arsdigita/forum/Forum.java
index ced7b1af3..a88182e34 100755
--- a/ccm-forum/src/com/arsdigita/forum/Forum.java
+++ b/ccm-forum/src/com/arsdigita/forum/Forum.java
@@ -330,6 +330,7 @@ public class Forum extends Application {
         if (isNew()) {
             setModerated(false);
             setNoticeboard(false);
+            setPublic(true);
             setAllowFileAttachments(false);
             setAllowImageUploads(false);
             setAutoSubscribeThreadCreator(false);