Exhibit
23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-8 No. 33-59424,
Form S-8 No. 33-79366, Form S-8 No. 333-51837, Form S-8 No. 333-28611, Form S-8 No. 333-63321, Form
S-8 No. 333-85535, Form S-8 No. 333-107686 and Form S-8 No. 333-125361) of our reports dated March 30, 2009, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Saga Communications, Inc., and the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting of Saga Communications, Inc., included in this Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2008.
/s/
Ernst & Young LLP
Detroit, Michigan
March 30, 2009