Abstract: An apparatus is provided for transmitting a pre-recorded message to a plurality of destinations via a corresponding plurality of telephone lines. The apparatus comprises a means for storing and transmitting a message, for example a tape recorder. A switching arrangement connects a selected line to the apparatus, and means such as a dialling mechanism are used to call a desired telephone number. When the called telephone is ringing this is detected by a ring tone detector, and when the ringing ceases a switching circuit connects the tape recorder to the called telephone and transmits the pre-recorded message. When the message ceases the selected line is automatically disconnected from the apparatus.