Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
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 30, 2009, 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,
2008.
March 30, 2009
Detroit, MI