Created in 1987, Mainstreet Radio held a mission of reporting specifically from rural Minnesota to all of Minnesota. With an introductory staff of Rachel Reabe, Leif Enger, and John Biewen, the group developed both long and short form news features as part of MPR Journal and Morning Edition broadcasts. As the years progressed, Mainstreet Radio expanded both in reporter contributions and programming, with memorable work from the likes of Mark Steil and Catherine Winter, amongst others. Beginning in the 1990s, Mainstreet Radio presented a monthly two-hour special, focusing on issues outside the Twin Cities metro. The varied Mainstreet Radio programming ran into the mid-2000s.
Mainstreet Radio presented a breadth of topics, providing an avenue for individuals from all walks of life to be heard. These efforts garnered numerous journalistic awards, including 65 national and regional awards in its first 10 years (1987-97).
Award-winning material in “special programs,” “series,” or “documentary” categories include Meth in Minnesota; Against the Grain; Dancing on Beat: Portrait of a Reservation Family; After the Flood; An Education in Diversity; Rekindling the Spirit: The Rebirth of American Indian Spirituality; Wilderness Truce: Ely 10 Years Later; Making the Grade: Rural schools the work; The Rural School Challenge; Broken Trust: Civil Rights in Indian Country; Gold: New Prospects on the Iron Range; and Articles of Faith.
Award-winning material in the category of “reporting” include Frog Music; Pumpkinland; Four Winds Treatment Center; Deer Hunting Weekend; Border Check for Poachers; Mille Lacs Fishing Launch; Loon Habitat; House Call Doctor; Geritol Frolics; Cartwright's Calendar; Ice-Fishing on Mille Lacs; Mercury Fillets; and A Place for the Wolf.
June 15, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio is live from Collegeville for the second hour of this special report, “Methamphetamine Madness.” Rachel Reabe hosts a call-in discussion about Minnesota's methamphetamine epidemic with three experts.
June 15, 2004 - As part of the Mainstreet Radio series “Meth in Minnesota,” MPR’s Bob Reha reports on new techniques in recovering from meth addiction.
June 15, 2004 - As part of the Mainstreet Radio series “Meth in Minnesota,” MPR’s Gunderson reports on meth use by students of Minnesota’s schools.
June 16, 2004 - As part of the Mainstreet Radio series “Meth in Minnesota,” MPR’s Mark Steil reports on The debate over state drug policies, which came into sharp focus this year in a case involving methamphetamine, jail time and a young Minnesota mother.
June 16, 2004 - As part of the Mainstreet Radio series “Meth in Minnesota,” MPR’s Jeff Horwich reports on the expanding problem of meth abuse and transport throughout the state.
July 28, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil profiles Harry Yang, a Hmong immigrant who decided to leave Twin Cities for Walnut Grove and Southwest Minnesota, home of "Little House on the Prairie." Yang says he finds more freedom and peace of mind here, though challenges remain.
August 6, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio's Erin Galbally reports on former pro wrestler Brock Lesnar as he participates in try-outs for the Minnesota Vikings. Lesnar wants to be a pro football player. The only problem is he hasn't played since high school.
August 25, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio's Cara Hetland reports on Ralph Nader’s visit to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In a speech, Nader says the only way to change government is to get involved. He talked for more than two hours criticizing corporate greed, the Bush administration, and the war in Iraq. Nader says historically the nation's best laws have been a reaction to citizen outrage.
August 26, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio’s Bob Reha reports that while schools aren't open yet, report cards are being released nonetheless. The reports won't go to students, but to their schools.
August 30, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports that Minnesota court records show Native Americans living in some northern counties are arrested at a rate far higher than any other race. That's got the attention of the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota.