The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has said that it is not an absolute requirement that programme makers balance a programme by including individuals representing each side of a debate.
However, it said this may be necessary in certain circumstances.
The BAI was addressing the issue of whether an opponent to changes in Irish law to permit same-sex marriage should have been included in a discussion on the Marian Finucane show, hosted by Brendan O'Carroll.
A complainant had said that unreserved support was expressed for same-sex marriage and that no panellist challenged that view.
The BAI rejected the complaint, finding that the programme included a range of views on the topic and that the presenter did not actively endorse proposals to change Irish legislation.
It said that the requirement of the Act and the BAI's regulations is for fairness in the treatment of a topic and this can be achieved by the presenter or by contributions from other guests.
It was the opinion of the committee that the programme did not infringe the Broadcasting Act in the manner specified by the complainant.
The complaint was among four considered and rejected by the BAI compliance committee.
Five others were resolved by the Executive Complaints forum.
