diff --git a/linkcheck/director/__init__.py b/linkcheck/director/__init__.py
index 7fce5fb3..f7e837b3 100644
--- a/linkcheck/director/__init__.py
+++ b/linkcheck/director/__init__.py
@@ -62,6 +62,9 @@ def check_url (aggregate):
             aggregate.remove_stopped_threads()
             if not aggregate.threads:
                 break
+            if aggregate.wanted_stop:
+                # some other thread wants us to stop
+                raise KeyboardInterrupt
 
 
 def interrupt (aggregate):
diff --git a/linkcheck/director/aggregator.py b/linkcheck/director/aggregator.py
index 2383f321..af416451 100644
--- a/linkcheck/director/aggregator.py
+++ b/linkcheck/director/aggregator.py
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ class Aggregate (object):
         self.logger = logger.Logger(config)
         self.threads = []
         self.last_w3_call = 0
+        self.wanted_stop = False
 
     def start_threads (self):
         """Spawn threads for URL checking and status printing."""