Should not even have to ask that question.
YES, they are. That is what the Bill of Rights are — to protect the citizenry from over-bearing government.
Free speech is not limited to media reporters. Free speech is a right all citizens have — whether it is letters to the editor or blogs or radio commentary or talking on a sidewalk.
I also add that that free speech can be anonymous as was much of the political speech in the days of our founders.