Howard Stern defends two-month-long vacation from radio job he’s paid $100m-a-year for

Back in December, radio host, Howard Stern, extended his Sirius XM show for another five years - at an astonishing price.

The reported $500-million deal shook out at $100m a year - but news that the new contract includes a two-month vacation from his already-reduced, three day a week schedule sent some fans into a spiral.

This means Stern won’t be on air from the end of June until Labor Day.

Speaking on his contract, Stern said: “When this last contract was up, I took a look at my life and was like well OK, maybe it’s time,”

“But when they (SiriusXM) came up with this plan of instead of doing 112 shows, do 100, I thought OK I could do that and I can still be connected to my fans.”

“For those of you who have written me, I know, I’m sorry you want more shows”, Stern responded to angry fansGetty Images

Sirius subscribers aren’t particularly happy with Stern’s decision to take June-September off - especially after paying $20 a month to listen to Stern’s show. Many angry subscribers took to Twitter with threats to cancel.

One said: “Howard Stern is taking a 75 day vacation from his 3 day a week show. He will be off starting next week until September. I can’t wrap my head around this.”

While another tweeted: “Howard Stern just announced that this is the last week of shows before a two and a half month vacation. WTF? @HowardStern. I guess I’ll be canceling my Sirius XM this is ridiculous.”

A third added: “You didn’t paint that… Keep screwing over the fans Howard. 2 month vacation? What broadcaster does that? If I had a subscription I would cancel. Howard Stern js the biggest fraud in entertainment.”

In response to loyal fans, Stern simply said: “I happen to believe we still do the best radio around,”

“I’ve listened to the other stuff. It ain’t that great.”

“For those of you who have written me, I know, I’m sorry you want more shows”, he added.