Alan Partridge, a self-absorbed and often tactless radio DJ in Norwich, England, finds his small-time existence at North Norfolk Digital promptly upended when the station is taken over by a faceless media conglomerate. The new owners, looking to modernize and rebrand the station as "Shape," decide to make drastic changes, much to the dismay of its dedicated staff. Partridge, historically concerned with his own career survival, inadvertently becomes the spokesperson for his co-workers when he is summoned to a corporate meeting to decide the future of the employees.

During negotiations, anxiety over job security heightens, and fellow DJ Pat Farrell fears for his job. When the corporate decision results in Pat being fired while Partridge retains his position, tensions escalate quickly. Feeling betrayed and enraged, Pat takes the radio station staff hostage during a company party. With the building under siege by a disgruntled Pat, Partridge finds himself in the middle of the crisis, acting as a mediator between Pat and the authorities. His inflated ego gets a dose of reality as he is thrust into a situation that demands genuine humanity and responsibility, challenging his typical self-serving attitude.