From 1987 to 1989 she worked as a trainee for the private radio station Radio Hamburg. In 1989 became the first German presenter (video jockey) for what was then an English-only pan-European Music TV channel, MTV Europe where she presented a variety of shows till 1996. At the same time she created and hosted from 1992 to 1995 a youth program on Bravo TV. For her television work Backer was awarded with the Golden Camera and two Golden Otto awards.

At MTV, Kristiane hosted the Coca-Cola Report, the European Top 20, Awake on the Wild Side, Headbangers Ball and Party-Zone. After 1996, she worked two years on NBC Europe for the daily culture show, The Ticket NBC.

After many year's break from the television business Backer hosted again in 2009, including the travel programs for the Travel Channel, and the inter-faith program Matters of Faith for the international channel Ebru TV. She also hosts European business presentations, conferences, galas and award ceremonies.