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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-8 pertaining to the Gray Communications Systems, Inc. 1992
Long-Term Incentive Plan of our reports dated January 29, 2001 with respect to
the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Gray Communications
Systems, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 2000.



                                       /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Atlanta, Georgia
September 4, 2001