Mike and Kate: We're engaged

The usually private Mike Hosking made a very public proposal to Kate Hawkesby on a Melbourne bridge. Photo / Norrie Montgomery

Media stars Kate Hawkesby and Mike Hosking have announced their engagement and say they are planning a wedding that is all about the kids.

The couple, who work at NewstalkZB, have revealed their engagement in a very public way - despite Hosking being known for trying to keep his personal life private.

In an interview in this week's Woman's Weekly, he says his proposal - in front of dozens of people on a Melbourne bridge - had to be loud and proud.

"It was important to me that for once, I did this out in the open. Anyone can propose in private. But I wanted to make this gesture for Katie."

Hosking, 45, booked flights to Australia and set out on his plan to ask Hawkesby to marry him, but not before putting in a call to the in-laws.

Hawkesby's father, former TV news anchor John Hawkesby, told the magazine: "I thought it was a gracious, humbling, jolly decent thing to do.

"He asked me for my daughter's hand in marriage and I said, 'To be honest, Mike, we were hoping for someone a bit taller."'

Daughter Kate couldn't be more happy, showing off a dazzling square-cut five-carat ring - signifying the couple's five children, Jackson, Josh, Bella, Ruby and Marley.

"I looked at this gorgeous ring as he explained ... and I was overcome. I think I said yes at some stage," she said.

"Then I grabbed a couple of students who were passing by and asked them to take our picture."

Hawkesby said when the big day comes, it will be all about the children.

"There were high-fives all over the place [when they were told] and immediate questions about flower girl possibilities," she said.

"It's more about a big party and new outfits as far as they're concerned."

The couple is yet to announce a date for the big day.