


                                                                      Exhibit 5




                                                      June 6, 1997



Saga Communications, Inc.
73 Kercheval Avenue
Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236



Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We are  furnishing  this  opinion  in  connection  with the  filing by Saga
Communications, Inc. (the "Corporation") of a Registration Statement on Form S-8
(the "Registration  Statement") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") relating to the issuance by the Company of up to 100,000 shares of
the Corporation's Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value, to be issued to certain
directors of the Corporation under the Corporation's 1997 Non-Employee  Director
Stock Option Plan (the "Plan").

     In connection with this opinion,  we have examined such corporate  records,
certificates and other documents, and reviewed such questions of law, as we have
deemed  necessary  or  appropriate  in order to express the  opinions  contained
herein.

     Based upon such  examination,  it is our opinion that the shares of Class A
Common Stock being  registered by the  Registration  Statement,  when issued and
paid for as contemplated in the Plan, assuming due execution of the certificates
therefor, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

     We  hereby  consent  to the  use  of  this  opinion  as an  Exhibit  to the
Registration  Statement and to the use of our name in the Registration Statement
and the Prospectus  constituting a portion thereof. This opinion may not be used
for any other  purpose or relied upon by any other person,  firm or  corporation
for any purpose without our prior written consent.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     EDWARDS & ANGELL


                                      By: /s/ Christine M. Marx
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                              Christine M. Marx
                                              Partner



