Hierarchical call control with selective broadcast audio messaging system

A cordless digital telephone system which allows hierarchical call control in a cordless phone system is provided.. Based upon a priority level associated with the identified phone number, a call controller unit directs the call to a selected one of a plurality of mobile units (412) in communication with the base station (402), or a group of mobile units (412), or in some cases, at a highest priority level, broadcasts the call to all mobile units (412). In those cases where the phone number is not identifiable as being associated with a particular priority, then a lowest priority is set for that call in which case a predefined message is sent to the caller and the call is dropped. In this way, since in a broadcast mode a user does not have the chance to prevent a ring an unwanted call can be diverted based upon a priority level such as, for example, a "Do not disturb" priority level for calls and broadcasts.