diff --git a/blocks/news_items/block_news_items.php b/blocks/news_items/block_news_items.php
index 6fcd152ae72..24e9ca0e456 100644
--- a/blocks/news_items/block_news_items.php
+++ b/blocks/news_items/block_news_items.php
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ class block_news_items extends block_base {
                     $tooltiptext = get_string('rsssubscriberssposts','forum');
                 }
                 if (!isloggedin()) {
-                    $userid = 0;
+                    $userid = $CFG->siteguest;
                 } else {
                     $userid = $USER->id;
                 }