diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tasks.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tasks.py
index 863863238036..da268a48c156 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tasks.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tasks.py
@@ -455,8 +455,8 @@ def sync_discussion_settings(course_key, user):
 
         if (
             ENABLE_NEW_STRUCTURE_DISCUSSIONS.is_enabled()
-            and not course.discussions_settings['provider_type'] == Provider.OPEN_EDX
-            and not course.discussions_settings['provider'] == Provider.OPEN_EDX
+            and not course.discussions_settings.get('provider_type') == Provider.OPEN_EDX
+            and not course.discussions_settings.get('provider') == Provider.OPEN_EDX
         ):
             LOGGER.info(f"New structure is enabled, also updating {course_key} to use new provider")
             course.discussions_settings['enable_graded_units'] = False