EXHIBIT 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

            We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 pertaining to the Saga Communications, Inc. 2003 Employee
Stock Option Plan and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report
dated March 11, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of
Saga Communications, Inc. included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Detroit, Michigan
August 5, 2003