diff --git a/bc/channel/models.py b/bc/channel/models.py
index ad0caf9c..14913ec3 100644
--- a/bc/channel/models.py
+++ b/bc/channel/models.py
@@ -21,6 +21,8 @@
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
+r = make_redis_interface("CACHE")
+
 
 class Group(AbstractDateTimeModel):
     name = models.CharField(
@@ -166,7 +168,6 @@ def validate_access_token(self):
         """
         if self.service not in self.CHANNELS_TO_REFRESH:
             return
-        r = make_redis_interface("CACHE")
         lock_key = self._get_refresh_lock_key()
         lock = r.lock(lock_key, sleep=1, timeout=60)
         blocking_timeout = 60