diff --git a/main/bridge.c b/main/bridge.c
index 926004bc90..66c495a0cd 100644
--- a/main/bridge.c
+++ b/main/bridge.c
@@ -3949,8 +3949,12 @@ static void stasis_publish_data_init(struct ast_channel *to_transferee,
 		publication->to_transfer_target.bridge = to_target_bridge;
 	}
 
-	publication->transferee_channel = ast_bridge_peer(to_transferee_bridge, to_transferee);
-	publication->target_channel = ast_bridge_peer(to_target_bridge, to_transfer_target);
+	if (to_transferee_bridge) {
+		publication->transferee_channel = ast_bridge_peer(to_transferee_bridge, to_transferee);
+	}
+	if (to_target_bridge) {
+		publication->target_channel = ast_bridge_peer(to_target_bridge, to_transfer_target);
+	}
 }
 
 /*