Exhibit 23(a)



Exhibit 23 - Consent of Independent Auditors



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-85535) pertaining to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Saga
Communications, Inc. of our report dated March 7, 2002, with respect to the
financial statements of the Saga Communications, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase
Plan included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31,
2001.



                                                /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

March 26, 2002
Detroit, Michigan