Abstract: A remote control signal for initiating playback of a previously recorded message tape in an automatic telephone answering apparatus is recorded on the message tape after the recorded messages. The remote control signal causes the tape to be rewound, and the tape position is monitored by a tape counter. The counter is reset to zero at a tape position near the beginning of the rewind operation, but just after the tape portion carrying the remote control signal is rewound and before the message-bearing tape portion is rewound. After the tape is completely rewound, its direction is reversed for reproducing and playing back the recorded message. When the counter counts down to zero during playback, playback is stopped and the apparatus is ready for recording new messages over the previously recorded remote control signal, thereby erasing the signal and permitting the newly-recorded messages to be played back upon receipt of another remote control signal.