A wedding belle for Murdoch

RUPERT Murdoch.

Professionally, the parent of Earth’s media. Personally, the creator of new news himself. Celebrating March, his Nativity month, a new scoop is Mr. Murdoch’s getting married — again.

But first, before anything, we discuss the important stuff. Like his bride-to-be’s Asscher-cut diamond solitaire which the almost groom personally selected. He says: “I’m one-fourth Irish.” He presented the ring to her St. Pat’s Day in our very own NYC.

He says: “I was very nervous. I dreaded falling in love — but I knew this would be my last. It better be. I’m happy.”

Former San Fran police chaplain Ann Lesley Smith, 66, who’s late husband was Chester Smith, the country singer, radio and TV exec: “For us both it’s a gift from God. We met last September.

“I’m a widow 14 years. Like Rupert, my husband was a businessman. Worked for local papers, developed radio and TV stations and helped promote Univision. So I speak Rupert’s language. We share the same beliefs.

“In perspective, it’s not my first rodeo. Getting near 70 means being in the last half. I waited for the right time. Friends are happy for me.”

Rupert on meeting at his vineyard Moraga in Bel Air, Calif.: “She and her husband also owned a vineyard and had been in the wine business. Last year when there was 200 people at my vineyard, I met her and we talked a bit. Two weeks later I called her.”

Steeped in wisdom I said: OK. But today it’s all about couples just living together. No ceremony. That’s the new trend. In Hollywood they even iron out the divorce settlement before rushing ahead with any wedding.

The groom-to-be adds: “We’re both looking forward to spending the second half of our lives together.”

The wedding’s late summer. Besides a personal shopper, friends are scouring shops and designers for Ann’s gown.

They will spend their time between California, the UK, Montana and New York.

Rupert Murdoch appeared so happy that somehow I didn’t think it was the right moment to ask him for a raise.