Abstract: An automatic cassette reproducing apparatus and the method for its use with a cassette tape with an audio program and a control signal thereon. The apparatus includes a housing adapted to receive a cassette and cassette tape transport structure within the housing for engagement with and transportation of the tape. The transport structure in a first mode is adapted to advance the tape at a normal speed at which the audio program thereon can be transmitted to a listener. The transport structure is adapted to be shifted to a second mode to advance the tape at a faster speed to a later portion of the audio program. A lock is in the housing to automatically retain the transport structure in one of the modes for a predetermined length of time. Finally, controls are provided in the housing to automatically activate and deactivate the lock in response to the control signal on the tape.