
                                                                       Exhibit 5



                                                     August 19, 1999


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

    Re:  Saga Communications, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We are  furnishing  this  opinion  in  connection  with the  filing by Saga
Communications,  Inc. (the  "Company") of a  Registration  Statement on Form S-8
(the "Registration  Statement") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission")  registering  under the  Securities  Act of 1933  interests in the
Company's  Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan") and up to 1,000,000  shares
of Class A Common  Stock,  $.01 par  value  (the  "Common  Stock")  to be issued
pursuant to the Plan.

     We have served as counsel for the Company and, as such,  are familiar  with
all  corporate  proceedings  since its  organization.  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 Common
Stock being registered by the Registration  Statement,  when issued and paid for
as  contemplated  by 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 any  references  to our firm in the  Registration
Statement.

                                                     Very truly yours,

                                                     EDWARDS & ANGELL, LLP



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



