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                                                                     EXHIBIT 23


Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8) effective March 12, 1993, May 25, 1994 and May 5, 1998 (Registration
File Nos. 33-59424, 33-79366 and 333-51837) pertaining to the Saga
Communications, Inc. 1992 Stock Option Plan, the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) effective June 6, 1997 pertaining to the Saga Communications, Inc. 1997
Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (Registration file No. 333-28611), the
Registration Statement (Form S-8) effective September 14, 1998 (Registration
File No. 333-63321) pertaining to the Saga Communications, Inc. Employees 401(k)
Savings and Investment Plan, and in the related Prospectuses, of our report
dated February 12, 1999 with respect to the consolidated financial statements
and schedule of Saga Communications, Inc. included in this Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.




                                                  /s/ Ernst & Young LLP 
                                                  ---------------------------
                                                  Ernst & Young LLP


Detroit, Michigan
March 29, 1999




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